Is there a place for Religion in modern society

Is there a place for Religion in modern society? This is a very controversial topic that it is very debatable. In recent years the number of mass goers has decreased dramatically, however in the recessionary times we are living in at present, the numbers attending mass has increased substantially. So this prompts another question, do we only use religion when we are in need of spiritual help or guidance and forget about it the rest of the time? This is also evident around Christmas time when churches are full to capacity, but every other Sunday in the year people do not attend mass. Years ago, Religion played a much bigger role in the life of Irish people, many nuns and priests were teachers and the religious order had a certain influence on the running of the state. The religious order built and ran schools all over Ireland and therefore had a huge influence on everyone.

"By the year 2000 only 45% of Americans went regularly to church, while two centuries earlier the entire population systemically visited the house of God. By the beginning of the nineteenth century the whole population of Europe went to church but by the early twenty-first century less than 10% did." http://www.buzzle.com/articles/religion-dead-before-end-century.html

I think that the clerical church abuse that has been brought to the eye of the public may have caused church numbers to dwindle in recent times and may have caused people to second guess their beliefs but I don't think this will have a lasting effect. I do believe that religion has a place in modern society however. People may believe in God or many gods but I believe that it is a very comforting thought to have religion as part of your life. It is obvious that religion does not have as big of importance today as opposed to previous decades but I don't believe religion will ever fade away. I think that the lifestyle of having a religion keeps faith in people. I think that by leading a religious lifestyle, be it Catholicism or any other religions, gives people aspirations as to the person they wish to become and where they want to go in life. I believe religion brings people up to be respectful and instills in people the idea of family and friends and therefore creates a bond between communities and this in my eyes will always have a place in modern society.