Really?
I wouldn't go so far as to say that.
Who knows how our progress would have looked like, if we hadn't been bound by religious inhibitions.
My understanding of religion is that for a long time, it was the only thing keeping people from killing each other. It's a way to negotiate the social contract (in a Rousseau sense). The thing about people killing each other all the time is that it's hard to do science while that's happening.
Why else would you make up a story about being tortured after you die, if not to regulate negative behavior while on earth?
You make up the story of being tortured after you die for 2 reasons: 1: to make the torture you receive in life more bearable and therefore longer lasting and more enjoyable for your tormentor. 2: to provide an ultimate threat of revenge/punishment that surpasses even torture and death.
Religion is about control and the accumulation of wealth by a select class. It is a form of government that divorces the obligation of the state to provide security and comfort from reality. Heaven is the promise of reward for following your leaders and giving them your wealth. Hell is the threat that hangs over your head to keep you in line. Really its just a way to skimp on social services, law enforcement and tax collection.
I grew up on the bad side of religion, gone through real hell on earth, I probably don't demonize it nearly enough considering.