Most people for almost all our history were illiterate. Therefore someone reading from a religious book was almost magical to most people. That power is now gone, hence rise in atheism. Knowledge is power and we are no longer easily controllable and can actually come to our own conclusions. That is why the people in power must fensor the internet at all cost.
@Zeb unfortunately, changes happen in generations. you need to get to the kids, only then you can change the world. grown ups are set in their ways and you can't do much with them in regards to change. gen-z are in their 20s now, so we need to get to the gen-a's kids to see some change. that means another 30-40 years until serious change happens.