My response to this:

Its simply rubbish to imply that faith is “merely” a way to keep people in line. That refers back to the atheistic idea from the 1800s that religion is the opium of the masses, a means of control. Of course, they didn’t believe there was a God, so “faith” for them was hollow.

The truth is that God exists. The Christian faith is not hollow or some man made construct. Why would any man come up with a system such as the Judeo/Christian faith that teaches the exact opposite of human nature? The teachings of the Bible reveal the evil and wickedness of humanity. That would be illogical if the Bible was not true. If you want to see a man made religion take a look at the mythology systems from around the world. You will observe a huge difference.

In history, people of the faith, were often on the edge of social change. That does not sound like staying “in line” to me. A good example would be William Wilberforce who led the assault on the slave trade in Britain. It was a Christian who fought against such a great evil in his culture.
Faith is trusting in God. Faith pleases God. That is what we should do as Christians, live a life pleasing to Him by trusting Him for everything.

“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him” (Hebrews 11:6 ESV).

“And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:9-10 ESV)

My love for Christ produces obedience to Him. I love everything good, holy, and righteous. That is what I want, and everything good in this world is from the hand of God. Its only humanity that corrupts the good things given to us by Him to twist them into evil.
Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15 ESV).

“Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him” (John 14:21 ESV).

“For by him [Jesus] all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:16-17).