Do we really appreciate religion or are we afraid of eternal burning?
Growing up, I was raised in a pretty religious family. I was more religious, followed every law to the latter, did my research and supported the bible and religion whenever I got the chance.
When I was about 16 yrs old,I was supposed to be married off as per our tradition and customs. In those discussions, my grandpa was part of the negotiating party. My younger cousin passed by us...mbio, alikuwa anakimbiza kuku, she was 12yrs old. Then I remember him saying " ni vile tu it's against religion to take young girls...haka kangenizalia, watoto hawananga kiburi ya wanawake, very docile haha" Till this day, I've never forgotten those words...then the fact that everyone laughed like it was a very funny joke.
I'm an atheist now, but I thank religion for putting such people at bay, and if you really look at it from that angle, you'll realize that some sins are not being committed because people are afraid of hell or rather the judgement for their actions by eternal burning.