One of the modern day prophets speaks clearly about how religion is often used to protect ourselves. Listen in:

There is indeed such a thing as heresy, and I am trained and believe in such a thing as orthodoxy (although the word is not found in the Scriptures), yet Jesus' entire life drama makes it clear that the biggest heretics are very often running the show. Is it possible to read the accounts of hostility, persecution, passion, and the murder of Jesus in any other way? The religious False Self is the best and the most defended self of all. - Richard Rohr

The biblical prophets were not easy on the people either, especially on the religious people. When you read this, you might be tempted to think about other religious people and that this was written for them. But take a moment a breathe and ask the Spirit how this was written for you.

I hate, I despise your religious festivals;
    your assemblies are a stench to me.
Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings,
    I will not accept them.
Though you bring choice fellowship offerings,
    I will have no regard for them.
Away with the noise of your songs!
    I will not listen to the music of your harps.
But let justice roll on like a river,
    righteousness like a never-failing stream! - Amos 5:11-15