I hope this is the correct board to post this on, and please know that I am not in a mindset to belittle anyone who is a follower of major religions. I've been delving into the studying of religion for the past few months; not nearly enough time to get more than a gleaning of information, really, so I'd like to find out if anyone else with deeper understanding shares this sentiment.

I am religious, but when I look at it from a critical eye, it seems very odd to me how so many hold the major religions of the world with such reverence as to believe that the texts could go back as far as they do without being altered by those who would use it for nefarious purposes. Generally, religion is a great means to control the masses when you get down to it. Perhaps some of the information in the texts are true, but how much? I can't find many people to discuss this with and was hoping someone here would humor me, I suppose! Thank you for your time.