Sure, but if it's peace we're after, it's counter-productive to achieve it through a belief system that includes consequences of extreme violence (like burning forever in hell) for negligible actions.
People don't need invisible sky ghosts to keep them in check, they need an exposure to basic logic and reasoning. The whole "finding god" route to peace is just a fucking ploy by religious profiteers.
People need a motive for change. Think of what these men are gaining through violence right now: land, material goods, money, prestige and power. So, if you are going to tell a guy like General Buttnaked that he should stop being violent you better have a damn good reason for him to stop. That can either be a strong potential benefit in exchange for the change or a strong potential consequence in the absence of the change.
You say logic or reason but what would your argument be for a man like this? Will he think it's logical to stop his financial gain? Will he think it's reasonable to work harder for less benefit?
Religion affords both a reward and a consequence. The rewards are both immediate and long term; salvation from death and divine favor during life. An eternity in paradise and supposed assistance from the gods, it's usually implied that if you follow the rules then things will go favorably for you. The consequence is eternal suffering, both here and in the afterlife. Punishment.
Religion is a means to an end. The goal is to motivate a group of people to live life by rules that are conducive to a peaceful society. Don't kill. Don't steal. Don't engage in risky sexual behavior. Christianity promotes the family unit style of life; teaches abstract concepts like compassion, accountability and integrity. Yes, people have fucked it up over history, no doubt.
But I think it still has a place as a useful tool in situations like this one where you need to inspire change on a massive level. Religion is a cost effective tool as well, all you need is a book.
The traditional alternative to religion as a culture transformer is government so pick your poison. Both have a big man upstairs.
