I think it's probably safe to say that "religion" evolved. Of course the concept of "religion" is rather complex, so much so that it may be inappropriate to speak of religion in the singular and instead more appropriate to speak of religions, some of which are related to one another through a shared tradition (i.e. the Abrahamic faiths and the Dharmic faiths being examples of religion families) or through synthesis and cultural/ideological exchange.
I don't know that I'd necessarily say that the religions of the world "evolved" in the same sense though, in that each one got its start under different circumstances; and it becomes harder to make an objective statement since it involves concepts such as revelation and mystical experiences which aren't necessarily capable of being analyzed through a wholly objective approach.
As far as the meaning of life goes, I don't think this is really something any person can answer objectively, whether you believe there is a meaning or not or if you create your own meaning comes down to all the complex and nuanced factors that goes into how you perceive the world around you which may or may not be religious.
I believe that our ultimate meaning, as human creatures, is probably best summarized by the Westminster Confession (though I am not of the Reformed tradition); namely to "...to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever." I would argue, further that "glorifying" isn't simply some sort of incessant adulation, but is instead a robust, deep reflecting of God into the world through love and true charity toward others. That is, we glorify God through our obedience to God and our perfect love of our neighbor, through being servants of others, taking care of the poor, being kind to others without condition, being gentle, and in all ways reflecting God as is appropriate of creatures created in imagio Dei, in the image of God.
That meaning, further explained, coming from a Christian perspective is found in Jesus Christ, the Son of God in whom God and man is perfectly reconciled and united. Jesus is the locus of all human and divine interaction, the place where God and man meet, where humanity is made perfect imagio Dei and God reveals Himself to the world. Thus the glorifying and enjoying of God forever is, from a Christian view point, ultimately found in Jesus. I mean, in His person, into which--would probably argue a Christian--we are united by divine grace, through faith, in the Sacraments, et al.
Of course, if one isn't a Christian, the above might at best sound like nonsense and perhaps at worst be perceived as exclusionary, theological arrogance.
-CryptoLutheran
