Though religions have done enough harm to mankind, it often has to do with the exclusive attitude most of them developed misinterpreting the scriptures. Thus scriptures were blamed for all the misdeeds of religions. This was precipitated by certain verses in scriptures which are obviously interpolated by those with vexed interest.
However, an objective observer can see that the general direction in which all the scriptures (not the embellishments) point is RATIONAL. For example, most of the scriptures show that condition was good when people were in harmony with God, fellow-humans and nature. Problems started when they brought in divisiveness.
What it says to the individual also is RATIONAL (something an individual can do without waiting for others): “A heart that is joyful does good as a curer.” (Proverbs 17:22) This is something anyone can find true if he puts this to the test by implementing it! Those who have tasted the truthfulness of the above embody wholeness, truth, simplicity, effortless energy and transcendence! Interestingly, Abraham Maslow called them `metanormal' beings! Because living at this higher level meant greater biological efficiency, less disease, better sleep, increased emotional intelligence ….(something he could contrast from his case-studies and find out from his observation).
Such ones too have their problems typical of anyone’s life! Yet most of them do not dwell on the negative, but enjoy being always in the present with full concentration on what they do at the moment! (Compare the principle found in verses such as Luke 9:62; Philippians 3:13-14 … etc.) Poetically put, scriptures are all about “enjoying the journey rather than destination”—something that everyone would agree as RATIONAL!
Every journey begins with the first step and progresses stage by stage! And each step becomes immensely rewarding.