You don't see how humanity have benefited from religion? Then you sir, are a moron.
How would you go around explaining say 15th century unwashed, illetarate masses what is good and what is bad? The fear of the law enforcement was virtually non-existant, you could commit shitloads of undetected crime. So go on, tell me how would you explain to some average dumb peasant that stealing/raping/killing (when no one sees you) is bad. The belief in magic sky fairy did and still does an amazing job.
Interestingly, the state of the 15th century peasant was a direct result of religion and was not improved by the church. Most improvements began around the time of the renaissance (not exactly known for espousing christian virtues, eh?).
What does it have to do with the point I was making? Wasn't really talking about quality of peasant life at all.