it's impossible to get rid of religion. it's part of the human condition. but it should be mitigated as much as possible.
Many people in the USA would call themselves religious today, but I believe deep down in most peoples hearts, they don't actually believe. Most of america are secret atheists, and they just don't know it. Culturally we would all be a lot less fearful of death if we actually believed we were heading to heaven. No one really believes that deep down. (at least in the modern industrialized world). We know in our heart of hearts that once you are dead, you are compost.