Religion is simply an aspect of human life, not an independent agent that could want to control humans. The same applies, for example, to politics.

Some people want to control, others want to be guided and lead, some hope to profit selfishly from the "powers that be", some find it wise to "do as the Romans do", and there are many other ways of relating to power and control. Those in power normally seek legitimation from the existing system of approved values, often in terms that we may call religious. If the existing religious tradition fails to provide the desired legitimation (- notably the New Testament, which is essentially critical of any earthly power, in spite of doing its best to avoid irritating the Roman Empire any more than necessary -), teachings can be tweaked and corrupted.

That is all. No religion-vs.-people.