It's one of the most annoying fallacies I encounter in everyday life: because I fail to see the value in something - surely that something has no value.

It's such a narrow minded approach to problem solving.

On top of the benefits you mentioned, there is a mindful aspect of religion that I'm sure contributes to people's overall feelings of well-being. Everyday it seems there is something new in the news about the benefits of mindfulness.

I personally am not religious myself - but people should keep in mind that the extremists we encounter in the news aren't representative of everyone who is religious. I certainly don't begrudge anyone simply because they are religious.