Well, in the Politics section of my web site I claimed that it was one of the most controversial sections of this site.  However, this section probably trumps that one hands down.

Religion is one of the most misunderstood of all philosophies and I personally believe that is why so many people feel so strongly about it - whether in favor of some sect of it or against some sect of it.  The truth to me is that it is an undeniable fact of life that religion exists for the purpose of mankind's benefit and benevolence.

Argue as you will that science is more an accurate instrument of reality.  That's fine and to be frank - that position is simply misunderstanding religion.  It's not your fault, because most religions teach religion as a faith only relevant to ignorant and unknowledgeable people.  That's a shame that needs to be changed.  Consider this my small role.

I'm a Christian, which means I believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God and was sent to Earth to show us the way to an everlasting life.  I believe Jesus was an example of how we as humans can reach higher levels.  I don't believe a lot of the ritualistic stuff that organized religion vehemently pushes at anyone who has attended just about any supposedly Christian church will attest to.  Sorry, but 95% of Christian churches have it all wrong.  Christ was here to show the way.  He was the way.  It illustrated hope, illustrated the path, and illustrated what was to come for our future. 

I'm also an amateur scientist and I firmly believe that all that science teaches us only clears cobwebs from what religion has erroneously filled our minds with.  Whenever science and religion are at odds, you can bet religion is in error.  Now, this is much different than saying religion is always wrong.  It simply means that men (and some women) have erroneously tried to fill in too many blanks with religion, that science has fortunately and continues to, overcome.  The conflict doesn't exist in reality - it only exists in man's self-made illusion of reality.

Is the Big Bang theory correct?  Possibly.  How about String Theory - now we're getting much closer!  There are so many other theories that all lead us to a scientific understanding of our world.  Who can deny that in mankind's current understanding, a combination of Quantum Theory and Relativity mixed into a cauldron of String Theories (particularly M-Theory) gives us the best scientific understanding of our world and universe?  Nobody.  If a church denies those things - whether Christian or other, then they are liars and cheats.  They are in it for reasons outside of Christ's reasons.  So, quite literally, to hell with them!

Any true religion will not conflict with science, but will rather coincide with science and tell another facet of the story.  They will together create a more complete picture of reality.