Why does religion matter?

Answer 1

Two main reasons:

1. Meaning: Religions provide the explanation for why life is worth living and how to live that worthy life.
2. Geopolitics: People are willing to kill or repress others because they do not share religious values.

Also:

Most religions say that life continues after death and most religions say that what you do in this life has consequences on the next life.

Religions provide us with a 'spirit' world view which is lacking by most people in this material age.

Answer 2

There is no reason to suspect that religion matters any more than the choice of political party, favourite flavour of ice cream or choice of mate. The choice of religion is more matter of enculturation of the child by parents and society. If twins were separated and raised in different cultures with different foods, religion, languages, social skills, prejudices - the whole range of human basics - each would feel happy that je had been given the "right" or "best" option.On this basis most people asking whether religion matters are really asking if their position of religion is correct and expecting "yes" as a response.