Religion as a tool of mass control

Over the years,some people have discredited religion and worshipping in general. Their main argument being that it was (religion) introduced to keep the society back then obedient to their rulers/authority.

Especially back here in Africa, a good number believe that the colonialists brought religion to have easy control over their protectorate.

What's your general view about this issue of religion and it's purpose?

 

I can definitely see how religion could be seen as a form of mass control. Just looking back through history, especially in the times of Martin Luther, it's very obvious that religion was used as a form of mass control. I think today that major news networks, especially here in America, are used as a form of mass control. TV in general really. Religion is still one of the more common forms of mass control, it's not as effective in modern times as it was in older times.