I can't speak for anyone else, but I didn't start this thread to criticize "religion" at all. I don't really care much about a debate between religion and atheism. There are simply too many forms of religion. Moreover, my point was that human beings as a whole are unaware of what happens after death, and that mystery is what religion addresses. One need not believe in any of the answers given by other humans. When groups of people share the same answers, it's called their religion, specifically when their answer is supernatural. In general, atheists criticize supernatural answers, but not questions. When questions are no longer considered valid, people become dogmatic. In any case, religion has not stopped people from continuing to ask about the same questions.
Afa ethics and religion, yes, religions always have rules. Well, to me, they're like laws: i.e., only there because people are doing them, and incapable of preventing people (even the most pious) from doing so. Call it fallen nature or whatever one likes. The preacher always reminds us that we are all sinners. Otoh, atheists have rules too, and they probably break commandments no more nor less than the average churchgoer. So, the % stuff comparing religionists to atheists is patently unverifiable.
Oh, btw, the Puritans didn't come here because they wanted religious freedom, but not because they were persecuted in Holland or England. They came because they wanted to impose their own religion, and no one on RSF would agree with their "rules." Ask Nate Hawthorne
But, that wasn't a consequence "of" religion or even religion at work. It was men imposing their will; it has been that way for several thousand years. Can't speak about forever or the mother religions, though.
"A man is rich when he has time and freewill. How he chooses to invest both will determine the return on his investment."