I am more inclined to believe that all current religious constructs have been subverted.

Basically if we are to accept the secret society bit; from eons ago, Then it is plausible that along that line is the truth they buried. Implying that everything is replaced to help enforce the lies being told.

So if they are in control and they have the reigns then all makes sense, they continue to push down anything that competes with them. Meanwhile slavery for the masses. Subjugation, brainwash, misdirection and all the other societal management tools.