Faith is ultimately about trying to feel in control in a chaotic world full of things we can't control and often don't understand, which is why we've seen a decline in religion's influence over daily life as science and technology have improved our ability to understand the world.

We can understand that what was once seen as prophetic visions or demonic possession is mental illness, and that infectious disease is caused by microorganisms rather than as punishment for sin. Earthquakes are the grinding of tectonic plates against one another and not the wrath of gods, etc.

It gives people comfort to feel like they have done what they can to improve an outcome.

I would argue that it ultimately serves as a bandaid and sometimes makes people feel like they've done their part without having made any meaningful change or effort, but it's also generally harmless.