Will religion spell the end or is there hope through a change of perception?

Not really religion more the intolerance that religious people can bring into the world. I don't mean just those who believe, but non believers alike. Persecution has come from both sides of the matter and will it stop? Fanaticism has been a driving force for violence in many regions of the world, but would the world be a better place without it? Keep in mind that either can be a driving force for good or evil depending upon who has the reigns.