In a sense every belief system that delegates our own individualities to another power whether real or imagined is a religion..many people will deny it, yet they consider Government a religion. In addition many governments use religion as a tool to power. Eg, God granted the King or monarchy power and other such Blather. Some even have money as their religion in as much as it gives them power over others. Masonry like any secretive exclusive club can and has been used to achieve a level of religious adherence of its members. Conspiracy? Who knows?