Throughout history, humans have found ways to cover up their insecurities; some have been clever while others are downright pathetic. No excuse, however, has been more overused than that of religion. People cling to it like the saviors they read about, as if the religion itself were a self feeding autonomous being pulling the strings in their life. I do indeed see the beauty that springs from religion (or at least the origin of most religions). They seem to come from a desire to explain a connection that is truly unfathomable to human mind. Religion can give hope, it can give insight and it can offer guidance to those who feel lost. Sadly, however, religion's largest use has been that of a weapon, which is ironic due to the preachings of peace and love. Speaking specifically (though this applies to many other religions) about Christianity, people refer to the bible as their guidelines for moral fiber and even mental strength. The implication is that God wrote the bible for this purpose (and that humans are naturally empty of morality) and we should all refer to its pages to discover this lost treasure. Those who do not are lost souls dangled by Satan himself. Personally, this aspect alone seems like the biggest Ponzy scam ever created, but aside from that religion, in any form, is a tool. Use it to better who you are within, not to judge other people to make yourself feel better for your shortcomings. If all that comes from the "Almighty" designer is a world ruled by the wicked, I'd say the programmer made the mistake and should have done a better job. This, of course, is silly, as it is your responsibility (within) to be a good person and to make your own damn decisions in your life.

(It cannot be both "all part of His plan" and we "all have free will" at the same time.)