Without relgion, the Gulf Wars wouldn't have existed either. Damn muslims.
In truth, a lot would have never happened, both good and bad, hadn't it been for religion. The butterfly effect is a mysterious thing, however, it makes it hard to determine what the world may be today.
And also, on considering to what you said before, that our "purpose" is self preservation, I've thought pf that before and I've dismissed it, in my own mind. Part of the reason for doing this, is because such a point would render my life virtually pointless. :P