I would say we all, before we wake up, are engage in willingly being controlled. What I do find offensive is how religions work so hard to get you while you are young, to scare you into believing if you go against it you will go to hell. I'd say many religious types are in that group, they where brainwashed at a very early age, before the age of reason. And many religions (Catholics for sure) are told to never read anything outside the approved material. (not that they listen, but that is what is taught)
While they are well-meaning (think they are saving your soul...), I don't know that I feel the respect you have for religion.