I was recently given a "cultural briefing" for some aid work in the Pacific. One subject was religion, specifically Christianity and how it was not practised quite the same as western minds might think. Essentially they adopted Christianity because the missionaries were obviously far wealthier and more powerful than they, and it couldn't harm to have a "bet each way". They largely keep their old superstitions, rituals and practices but also attend church on Sunday.
This "bet each way" works because religion is so detached from knowledge that keeps you alive, fed, wealthy and healthy. The fact that there are so many versions of the "one God" and so many opposing views on "God's will" just shows that modelling or even understanding reality is not it's purpose. (Seriously, you'd think the creator of the universe would have better communications skills! :-) )
Religion has no need to be accountable to facts, and when it does it loses all it's value (& credibility). Just look at what happens when religion has a say in Law!
Religion seems to work best when it is detached from the "real world" decisions, and science only works when it sticks to evidence based constructs.
I actually think the "new agers" have more in common with garden variety faiths like Christianity than the modern secular multiplex mind. Despite the rantings of some who claim that Christianity is the source of all human good, history clearly shows that personal responsibility, consideration for others and respect for rationality are the real achievers.
Science and rational ethics are hard work. Religion is like Opium, easy, soothing, sometimes necessary but ultimately disabling if overused.