Carol Christ, a feminist theologian who got rid of her own oppressive beliefs stated that people who got away from the oppressive religion they grew up in where wise to fill the religious gap with a belief of their own. One they choose for, and one that is wholesome for them.
Being religious, when you are a religious person, stays, she says. Better fill the void with something that is good for you, or without you realising, oppressive patterns may enter your life again.
Kinda makes sense to me.