I'm an atheist yet I think all religions provided something people needed in their specific contexts. Any structure of beliefs is better than no structure. The concept of a "superior direction" is what elevates the common men from its immediate needs and gives him the notion that it's not only possible but that he should look further, which derives in the idea of progress. Without that culture, initiative relies exclusively in a few leaders, whereas a culture that tells you that "you are part of god's plan" places the responsibility of initiative on everyone, allowing a society to harness the power of all individuals out of culture, instead of from a few out of instinct.

That is, the core concept I think is brilliant, that's why I have always appreciated religion in despite of embracing none. Of course all religions are plagued by vices which I unavoidably stem from all points where they deny reality, be it human nature or physics, by it's an unavoidable consequence of religions coming before science. It's the exact same phenomenon as alchemy predating chemistry. Thus I praise religion for being the first step.