I really dont buy that religion makes you happier. When I was religios, I was constantly worrying about sinning, and feeling constantly guilty about it too. Having thoughtcrimes are NOT fun at all, and im so happy not have anymore the guilty feeling of looking at a cute girl sexually, or taking a couple quarters from my brother when I didnt have enough for bus money (I was pretty strict with myself, with the belief that I was almost certain to go to hell). Maybe I didnt get the flip side of the coin; unity. The youth group/church things I was going to were akward for me, felt like barely anyone was being themselves throughout those things.

The idea of religion binding people together is however, at large, wrong. Why? Because this bonding comes from excluding others. If everyone in the world shared a belief, religion could be a positive force, however, in its current function it excludes and creates problem as much, if not more, than it helps.
Used to go to a southern baptist (brimstone and fire!) type of church for a little bit. This quote is definitely true for that type of church (cant say much about the other types of churches I went too, as they didnt talk about "outsiders" much). The pastor tried to paint a picture in everyones mind as christrians being prosecuted worldwide, how they were on the defensive and how everyone needs to pitch in before the world falls to the muslim/atheist hoarde. Makes me laugh now, did a little bit back then too .

As a student of history, it's interesting to read it and realize that--in a lot of non-literal ways--the Bible is the History of Civilization. I don't mean that the earth is less than 10,000 years old and that Adam was the first man, but I do mean that by understanding religion objectively you increase your understanding of humanity and history.
Im curios, do you feel the same when you read the Illiad or the nordic Saga's? Or the ancient Indian texts?