When religion doesn't work anymore, what is next in line? Conspiracies
Religion has never worked. When religion gets the upper hand in a society, the result is invariably disastrous. The Dark Ages is an example.
What happens when religion is discarded? An option is, evidence-based thinking (science).
Prayers did nothing to help the millions afflicted with polio, smallpox, leprosy, diabetes etc. God could have clapped his hands and made them go away, but maybe he was busy with something more important... and, as a consequence, a great many people suffered.
When the Enlightenment came, religion was exposed for the useless pack of lies that it is, and science was allowed to progress and benefit us greatly.