As a species, when we were younger we anthropomorphised everything. In other words, we translated externalities through our own experience. Hence God in our image etc.
Anthropomorhising is the only way we can relate to something that is outside of our understanding: by dressing it up in a framework we do understand.
The tenets of science rejects anthropomorphising. Objective observations only. Not easy but we are trying.
My point is this: I think having a deity is important, a higher source to inspire, comfort and offset ego.
But why do we not use the one thing that LITERALLY makes us, houses us, feeds us, protects us and offers us so much wonder and inspiration? Earth.
Why is Earth not our principal god? There would be no atheists if it were. There would also be no elitism and I think that has to be the point. Obfuscation is the truth behind power.
Principal god: Earth (not even going to anthropomorphise it into her into Gaia)