Unless trained not to be, people are born narcissistic; they will be envious, vain, self-centered, controlling, lustful & murderous. Society discourages these inclinations. A common mechanism society uses to propagandize its members is religion, for example, Christianity specifically targets these proclivities, which it terms “vices,” specifying virtues instead. But Christianity is more subtle & sublime; God is inserted above the individual; people would be ashamed but Jesus forgives them. Ritual is reassuring. The church hierarchy provides leadership. Sunday school and referencing the Bible reinforces the teachings. Tithing not only supports a dedicated clergy, but also gives a sense of value and proves commitment. Prayers are self-therapy; confession is group therapy; both protect mental health. Festivals give parishioners something to look forward to. The promise of an afterlife soothes the anxiety of death.

Of course, like anything, religion can be exploited, but the teachings are its own safeguard. You don’t have to accept the imaginary, such as miracles, nor do you have to have faith; you can still reap the benefits of Christianity by practicing it, understanding what is artifice and what is substantive. Pray if you want, attend services if you want, tithe if you want. Don’t reject the whole premise because it’s shrouded in mysticism. Churches are full of people who ignore the bad to reap the good. A person who can’t do that, who thinks the whole shebang is perfect because it’s directly from God, those are what’s really wrong with religion.