Well, for a more serious answer to your question, Mr. Happy, the Bible is a product of religion. I suppose you could define religion as "the organized practice of a relationship with the divine." The Bible depicts Adam, Eve, and their descendants as interacting with God, so I'd suppose that's religion. I think the Bible is a very valuable and sacred and inspiring document, but it's dangerous if it's taken literally and without reference to scholarly research.

Karen Armstrong (1944 - ), has written a number of very readable books on the origins of religion. My favorite is The Great Transformation: The Beginning of Our Religious Traditions (2006). Armstrong says most of the great religions began during the Axial Age, a period from 800 to 200 BC. Armstrong notes the similarities that exist among the various religions, particularly the fact that all are based on some sort of Golden Rule concept (do unto others as you would have them do unto you). Armstrong takes a very positive view of the origins of almost all major religions, and sees them as altruistic in their origins - as do I. And while I think most religions have good roots, most are in dire need of reform.

-Joe-