Religion seems more akin to straightening teeth in an attempt to modify human behaviour, morality and social constructs, that is with constant, gentle and subtle pressure so that over ages people are changed, but there are always those who seem to be out there ahead of the spirit of the age. The free thinkers that have their own moral compass. As no man is an island, they are still influenced by all sorts of input, be it tenets of religion, philosophy, or innate morality.
The major religions and the invented sects such as Mormon and JWs, etc are all anachronisms. There has always been secular groups, even atheistic groups, though it could be argued that these groups were more in opposition to the prevailing religions of dogma and superstition than outright denial of some basis to religion, that seemed to be more socially advanced.
My only answer to you is that humans are like herding cats, they need structure, leadership, guidance, direction, to basically be spoon fed as to what to believe and how to behave and religion is perfect for that. Others of an independent mind can express the need without having to be forced into compliance.
But the majority must be positioned like a great ocean liner pushed around by little tugs. Society must be gently nudged into position. Others get there by more so via their own volition.
Religion should be leading the essential reforms, delivering the medicine required by this age, but they are roadblocks and speed bumps getting in the way of the needs of this age.
