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This is an important question, especially in light of events coming to light “associated” with various religions. What has happened and whether or not these events need to be associated with the particular religions could (and have in some instances) fill volumes. As has already been stated in the discussion pages of other questions, Paramahansa Yogananda said, many years ago, that this world is an "antithetical organized chaos."

This can be seen in the disorder that finds its way into various organizations, even the ones “most” intended to help humanity. The organization is there - so is the chaos. No need to assign blame for the “structure” of the world. This does not mean that humans in charge are off the hook, necessarily. But constantly playing the game of "something has happened - find out who is to blame - punish that person" has led to...well, the continuing of the same game.

It has been said, "If you continue to do the same things, you get the same results. I am not saying to open the gates of all the prisons - no more lockdown. That is not going to work. More about this in the discussion page of another "question.")

If this seems to be drifting off the subject of the particular question, it really is not. The point is, religions do not have to be perfect to help people on many levels. After the Katrina hurricane which devastated thousands on the Gulf Coast, the government was incredibly slow to respond. People were relying on its help. Help was not forthcoming for quite a long time. The various church and religious based organizations stepped in on a large scale to help with food, clothing, shelter, etc. They have been providers of this type of help for a very long time. And they provide spiritual food for many millions of people, worldwide. This is their main function, or should be, in the opinion of many people.

This is true of religions that do not even necessarily profess the existence of “soul” or “god” such as some Buddhists. But that is in some ways because of Buddha's profound understanding that “soul” and “god” are concepts in the mind, and once the human brain mind is transcended, these concepts fall off like a patch, as a Buddhist monk put it so clearly.

So, it can be said that even though chaos may be generated in religious organizational systems, to the extent that they are helping humans remain focused on the reality of God and Soul, they are doing that much more good than harm. This statement will no doubt cause some controversy. My response to that is, of course, some things have occurred in various religions need to stop. Anyone can see that. Even those (or most of them) in power in the various religious organizations probably see it, but are not strong enough to make a stand.

In spite of all of the inner controversies that can (and do) arise, and in spite of the fighting between various religions through the centuries, religions give millions the connection to something greater than the material world. And in the spiritual, transcendental analysis, they do more good than harm, because: