Ya smart people believe in god. Michio Kaku, Steven Hawkins, Einstein, and many more astro-physicists believe in god but most of them do not believe in organized religion. They know the complexities of the universe and know that religion was created to control people.
Also in my opinion religion cheapens life giving people an excuse for taking it. I would feel much better about dropping a bomb in a crowded city if I knew that the innocent people would go to heaven.
Its just so foolish. You say you are an atheist and then say that some people need religion. Are the lesser than you? Are they the lower human that cant comprehend complexities so ignorance is bliss?
We need to get rid of this lie and embrace the human condition and the goodness that is inherent in our lives. I can see correlations to the crusades with the war in Iraq how far does the hate go, where and when do we draw a line with those in control twisting the wholesome ideals of religion into their self serving ideals.