Volunteerism and giving is great, but religion's purpose is to co-opt and channel these altruistic impulses to make people believe that good things can only com

Volunteerism and giving is great, but religion's purpose is to co-opt and channel these altruistic impulses to make people believe that good things can only come from religion (historically linked to the state). You still see this brainwashing today, with people believing that atheists cannot be moral, or that religion makes them a better person. In fact, the most religious are frequently the most immoral. Look at the widespread sexual abuse sanctioned by the Catholic Church, today and throughout history. As an aside, OPs conspiracy theory about the article titles sounds really silly.