"Religion, Spirituality, and Health: The Research and Clinical Implications" by Dr. Harold G. Koenig

This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the historical and scientific relationship between religion/spirituality (R/S) and physical and mental health. It argues that R/S is a significant, often overlooked factor in patient care and clinical outcomes.

True, the paper is a bit dated (2012) and things are changing for the better. But I think for the average person, secular 'scientism' still holds sway and religious 'treatments' are often mocked or trivialised by unbelievers.

The fact that religious groups may be narrow-minded, sexist, bigoted, corrupt and violent doesn't help matters much. Not to overlook the additional scourge of sexual abuse.

However, we find these dark aspects in all corners of humanity, not just within religion.¹ The root causes may be partly spiritual (i.e. the influence of evil) and partly psychosocial. But religion is just the overlay that insecure, regimented, and perhaps psychologically stunted individuals use to rationalise their sins and crimes. It's not the root cause. Not fully anyhow. If it were, non-religious people would be sinless and crime free, which we know is not the case.

Source - https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.5402/2012/278730

¹ More recently, allegations of sexual abuse have surfaced in the world of sports.