Wheel of morality...

Originally posted by Mister Meaner
I thought religion may have been invented to give certain members of the community an easier lifestyle compared to other members of the group. Is it simpler to administer a fertility ritual or do the ploughing? Is it easier to relieve wool barons of their hard earned cash to build nice churches in exchange for favours in the afterlife, or tend the sheep?

religion (judeo-christianity) may have been invented by the weak and downtrodden to make them feel better about their existance. but i would agree that the role of "priest" was definitely invented for the reasons that you name.