Was Christianity started to control the masses and dictate poltical agendas

[chimp3]

I have always felt this to be true. I do know that this is a very common theme I have heard and read as well. That religion was created to control people and the proper way to do that was to use the deterrents of hell and a vengeful God. I do know the Catholic church really grasped onto this. For instance, they did not allow regular people to read the bible; only priests could. Was this to keep out all the stuff they did not want the masses to see? What are your thoughts?

I do not think Christian and Jewish  priests deliberately concocted myths to control people. I do think it made it easier to do so.