People will always find justifications for their actions, whether as individuals or as a collective body. I should probably go ahead and state that I'm not a religious guy, nor have I ever been. Despite this, the notion of eradicating religion seems a bit harsh to me. Furthermore, would people not turn to nationalism or some other ideology that requires one to lay aside the individualism and embrace the collective vision? I don't think so.
Most people aren't free-thinkers. Does this make them stupid? Well, not entirely. I think of the doctors, lawyers, and engineers I've met who are religious. They're very good at what they do and probably possess a higher IQ than many, yet they don't subject their faith-based views to the same scrutiny that they do almost every other piece of information that comes their way. I read a book once called "The Believing Brain" by Michael Shermer. He basically suggested that intelligence has little to do with faith and the extent to which a person is open to indoctrination. Rather, those of superior intelligence are simply better at defending their beliefs, whether scientific or spiritual in nature. Makes sense, right? There is a huge distinction to be made between "intelligent person" and free-thinker.
So, I don't think religion is going anywhere. I think if current organized religions were to be abolished they would quickly be replaced with something just as nonsensical. The masses, which include those of great textbook intelligence, would subscribe. We're all trying to fill a void within ourselves, one that is caused by fear of death and the unknown. Most will choose a faith-based framework of some kind. The free-thinkers will choose philosophy and seek contentment via logic and reason.
