...if any big societal undertaking... seems motivated by religion, that's usually not the true reason behind it.
It's increasingly apparent that not even religion is motivated by religion. Since prehistoric times there have been economically unproductive but rhetorically skilled men who have desired strange sexual acts with typically off-limits partners, without the hassle of marrying or purchasing those partners. Those men have become shamans, priests, monks, gurus, and preachers. That's the purpose of religion.
It's increasingly apparent that not even religion is motivated by religion. Since prehistoric times there have been economically unproductive but rhetorically skilled men who have desired strange sexual acts with typically off-limits partners, without the hassle of marrying or purchasing those partners. Those men have become shamans, priests, monks, gurus, and preachers. That's the purpose of religion.