Religion: a tool for the ruling class to keep the population under control?

[Angrboda]

Organized activities will consolidate power within a few regardless of the nature of the activity. That power will be used for good or ill. I think what you are trying to suggest is that religion is only organized for the purpose of consolidating power so that it may be wielded over others. That I think is false. I think the religious impulse comes first, and the drive to organize it comes second.