I agree with your take. It does not have to be a good, or long lasting religion, it just has to have the aspects of religion, more so when the practice in general is used for control and dominance over others.

"Each scroll becomes a kind of prayer, submitting to the whims of an omniscient entity for the promise of reward." relates to the link between religion and dopamine/epinephrine.

https://www.wired.com/story/mormons-experience-religion-like...

One can almost link the rise of the internet religion with the demise of the traditional religions.