if somone is full of hate, greed, pain and also basically stupid, religion is just a convenient excuse for some of their 'bad' behavior. If he has support from some sort of peer group for his evil, it makes it a bit easier to justify.

Religion, or "orders from above" 'can' push people who are teetering over the line, but most religions 'officially' teach kindness, tolerance and love....it's certain interpreters who twist the message for ulterior purposes.

Of course, there are the well-meaning zealots who intend that you accept their particular brand of love and kindness, or else...*wry grin*...that's another issue which makes it kinda hard to identify 'good' and 'bad'.

*full analysis of layers of exceptions, disclaimers and variations takes another 47 pages*