Religion as an organization is only good insofar as it serves God's purposes, bringing us closer to Him. If it is a barrier to your direct relationship with God, then it isn't serving His purpose. Bad things have been done in the name of religion, and that is a tragedy, I think. But I also believe that it doesn't have to be that way. When God is the true leader, and the earthly leaders get their direction from Him, rather than making it up as they go along, or doing what serves their own purposes or makes them popular, etc., then it is good. Your personal relationship with God is essential, and religion should not circumvent that. We have to reason things out for ourselves and take it to God and find out personally what is right and of Him.