Quote Originally Posted by cannabis=freedom
In the Middle Ages it was used as a means of controlling people and getting their money, and keeping them in line by putting the fear of God into them
My friend, religion is still used for that in this day and age. Religion offers an afterlife, and as long as human beings fear death some will take that offer. However i think you have to make the distinction between religion and the church. The church uses religion to get away with wrongdoing, but that is a problem with the church, not religion itself.

to further the hatred of non-believers which is what the Bible is all about
Your entitled to your opinion, but i have to say i think you have a very misguided view of the Bible.