It's a nice world we live in now, without all these wars and murders done in the name of fairies.
Hopefully..it happened suddenly in heavily Catholic Ireland.
Good question. Ignorance appears to be supported by nefarious leaders as a way of maintaining power and subordination through the framework of established religion/s. As well, the heads of religious organizations cultivate fear and ignorance of facts and reality as a way of sustaining their livelihoods and perceived power & influence.
Though nothing new, humanity has crept forward.. and will likely continue to. The sad part is how fast & far we could go & be if not encumbered by the perpetuation of ignorance. And, the depth of despair often afflicting those like ourselves … those who already know better ..anxiously awaiting the rest of humanity to catch up.