Yes, Steve...it does sorta "stop us from looking", but be mindful of how much work "looking" is! "Looking"...that is, serious exploration of all the alternatives, requires a LOT of time and energy and education to even comprehend what "looking" means.
Most of humanity has neither the time nor the background to do more than perfunctory looking...and they grow up with ready-made 'answers' handed to them. It is so much easier to just nod wisely when one's priest, Imam, preacher, cleric, father, teacher...etc. says: "We have already 'looked' and studied it, and here are the ancient books and temples and images that have been determined to be the 'answers'...oh, and by the way, there are serious penalties for doubting!"

Who has time...or stamina... to go "looking" elsewhere, when thousand year old answers are handed to you? And a lot of those answers come with fascinating, inspirational stories...along with ceremonies that create a fellowship with others and communities which provide support and 'meaning'. It is work to doubt & "look".