I recall hearing about how we would be picked on for praying over a meal if we were in public, by nuns. Never seen that happen. It's an indoctrination technique where people can actually do whatever they want, while (in their own minds) they are rebellious. Get that little frisson of rebellion while being a muppet for god.
And if anyone says 'Boo!" about god, they squeal persecution, while able to go into their churches unrestricted, anytime.

If you get to thinking you’re a person of some influence, try ordering somebody else’s dog around.