Sure many bad things have been done in the name of religion AND it can impede free thought but some religion and religious people do good for our communities. Many volunteer their time and energy to help the poor and needy, put on drives to help sick kids, and get people together to discuss common problems such as chronic illness and loss.
Personally I've met both good people who were religious and non religious. It's all the same but clumping all religion into the same mold just isn't true.