++ [ originally posted by Andy ] ++
You're basing your argument on a few people who essentially kill in the name of God. No religion teaches people to kill in the name of God or the name of anyone; killing is against most, if not all religions. There are 'bad apples" everywhere that use religion as a justification to kill and proceed on with their hatred. They are murderers by blood, not because of religion. Real religious people follow their religion, and that would mean abiding by all laws set on them by that religion. These people who kill for religious reasons are not part of that religion, as essentially they are just pushing it away.
Without religion these people would still kill because that's their nature, it's just that they would not be able to use religion as an excuse. Infact if there was no religion they would kill anyway because there would be no laws to stop them. No religion, no laws, no conduct. Saying the world would be a better place without it is just laughable. Only the most evil people kill and they don't care if they're associated with God, Allah, or Santa Claus.