I think religion can be blessing AND curse.
Blessing: I have a good friend who had a very difficult time last summer. He really was all sad and didn't see any good things anymore. I think he had even given up on everything. But then, somehow, he rapidly changed as he chose a religion for himself and believed in God. And he became happier again through believing.
That's why I think that religion can be a real blessing: If you're feeling down and don't know a way out of the dark, you can pray to God. I'm quite sure that God won't destroy all the sorrows within you in one hit, but just believing that there is someone you can rely on gives you strength.
Curse: I think it has already been mentioned many times, but I don't understand wars due to religions either. Perhaps it's a bit harsh of me.. but aren't we all believing in the same God? Why so many differences? All we seek is salvation and help. So why don't we stick together and let each other live peacefully with their own belief? I just don't get it. .,.
Last schoolyear in religion we talked about religious wars and we tried to find an answer WHY that has to happen and HOW we can change something. We didn't really find an answer to the last question. It is totally naive of me to say that we all believe in the same God and that we can end the wars that easily. I somehow even understand how they feel, but I'd say it's righteous. .,. They want to be right, although no one can prove that there are more Gods. (Which sounds very strange, if you ask me...)

Personally, I don't believe in God. And even if I believed in him, I wouldn't say that he's always there for me. IF a God (I don't care which one as for me they're all equal) made the world and the humans, then He should be aware that people are all unique. And I think they all have their own will. That's why so many bad things can happen. Hmm.. it's false to say that God doesn't care about His people, but he gave them the Earth as a place to live, so why should He interfere?