Yes, I agree with that assessment, Paul. I don't doubt religion has made progress within itself. And, you know, without "religious" individuals contributing to modern advancements, we would still probably be in the dark ages. But that is despite religious superstition, not because of it.
Perhaps if folks in the iron age weren't so busy ascribing epilepsy to the superstitious "demonic posession", but instead labeling the condition as "unexplained", the period of time for unlearning their superstition would be nil. So arriving at a reasonable, scientific diagnosis might've come sooner.
In cases where science posits some theory that conflicts with, say, the bible - or the church's perspective regarding a passage or passages - what then? Fundamentalist opposition to evolution being taught in schools is just one modern example.
I think that religion has become more closed minded now then it was in the past.
There are a few books that clear this issue and others up, Vox Days' "the irrational athiest" and DeSouza's "What's so great about Christianity".
There are also books in specific about Christianity and science.