Religion does have a tendency to cling to power. That is the nature of the beast. It lends spiritual credibility to barbaric acts, is given protection and sustenance in return.
It insists on our absolute belief in unverifiable creeds and, in return, promises a reward that can only be verified after we cease to exist. By demanding the unconditional renunciation of our reason in this way, bad-faith prevents us from living an authentic, intentional life: it anaesthetises our integrity.
Look, see: the universe does nothing. Victim or monster, there is no one to help. God is dead. We should have tried to do our best without him.
No other way is possible but agony, but suffering, says god, says Peter's god, says Peter.