A lot of wonderful art work was created because of religions, or mainly the fact that the churches had the money to pay the artists.  Of course one could argue that perhaps more great art could have been made if all the best artists didn't find themselves painting religious only themes. 

I suppose religion could also offer people hope, but its ultimately a false hope.

Let's not forget that all that wonderful art done in the name of the church was also done under the threat of excommunication. Artists throughout most of the middle ages were not free to portray any subject they fancied. If they were found guilty of heresy, by making graven images not glorifying god, they were often treated poorly.

Reason? I hope to have a nice walk this evening. If I were dead, I wouldn't get to walk. Therefore, I have reason to live. Simple.

Hope? I also have hope. I hope one day religion will lose its grasp on humanity. I hope that we end our dependence on fossil fuels and stop global warming. I hope we'll reduce our population to a point where we can live in balance with the environment for centuries or millenia. I hope we evolve. I hope I get laid tonight. I hope there's not another Republican president after this one...

Seriously, what kind of drivel is all that?! It's pure arrogance to say that people who don't believe in sky-daddy are less human than other people.

PFFFT, I say.

 Well, couldn't it also be argued that without religion there still would have been beautiful art work? Is false hope a good thing?

Is false hope a good thing?I dunno.  That's a very general question.  For me, no, generally.  I get what you're asking but I think maybe a better question is, "Is it generally better to look at things realistically, rather than create a false hope for oneself?"  Even with that question, it's not that clear cut.  I suppose P.O.W.s who very likely will die can gain some advantage from believing they might make it out.  It might improve their odds if they live longer, even if the probability is that they will die in any case.The real issue is that this question is relatively inconsequential with regard to religion.  Religion is dangerous, divisive, stifling to science and creativity, aggressive, and intolerant... by nature.  It doesn't matter if a few people feel better because they have it.  It's still objectively bad for the world.

Although religion may give us nice artwork, look around you. We are in a world of shit because of religion.  Fanatical Muslims and Christians are waging a war that has been going on for well over a thousand years. People are dying everyday over who has the best invisible friend. Religion is actively working to stop scientific progress which would help improve the lives of billions. Although religion gives some hope and a sense of purpose in their lives, it is not worth the immense pain and suffering inflicted upon the rest of the human race.

That's about what I meant.