Religion wasn't necessary at all. In fact, it has long halted what should have been a completely different approach, that of understanding reality, instead of obfuscating it with fantasy.
If a non-belief in gods will lead the world to extinction, then how did we ever survive before Christianity and Islam were invented? Why were the gods that were revered prior to that tossed aside in favor of new ones? Why aren't Christians and Muslims working hand in hand to defeat the evil atheists, who in your opinion, will lead the world to extinction?
Why should they? Regardless of your persistent beliefs, theists are the majority in the world and the majority has never been engrossed with eliminating people.
And let's not forget one very important point, sam, you consider yourself a Muslim, hence you are not a Christian. Correct me if I'm mistaken on that one.
I fail to see how it makes a difference; I am a woman, so it means I am not a man. Does not change the fact that we all still need to get along with each other. Unless I get a sex change, that could lead to complications.