No it's just a waste of time. Other than Buddhism it's all about making a select few powerful men even more powerful.
That's all it's ever been about.
Convince the masses their souls are in danger and that they must obey to save themselves no matter the price.
How is it necessary
It's both actually, to me it's a waste of time, because yea it's true what you say Betty, religion is something man created to grab power where there was none. But I say it's also a necessary evil because it keeps some people in check.
(Also, Buddhism is considered a way of life, right?)