I was thinking of those who try to influence others' beliefs in order to gain power over them. As Lucius Annaeus Seneca said, Religion is regarded by the common people as true, by the wise as false, and by the rulers as useful.
Seneca was reportedly not an atheist, yet he was clearly wise.
There is a difference between religious observances and faith in God (and/or Christ).
Religious trappings and a focus on them can easily be used to control people, as high demand groups (cults to the layman) often show.
But individual faith is different and is not a means of control generally.