I know everyone is an individual, and religion has many positive effects on the world, but religion as a concept absolutely hurts people too.

Holy books are read literally by many, thus the verse I quoted, and many others, have been used as justification for the enslavement of others throughout history.

Also, people shouldn't take themselves OR their beliefs too seriously. You have to be able to laugh at yourself once in a while.

Edit: It's amazing how a factual and predominantly objective statement like this comment has been downvoted so hard.