Pew Research

[brewer]

Gosh, ya got me. I'm just soooooooooo bad.

The idea here is that attributing a large group's beliefs or lack thereof to ulterior motives is a problematic generalization.  With a little more context and insight, someone might be able to see signs of such motives in specific others. I think calling religious belief is a "crutch" is not totally inaccurate despite putting things in the least favorable light. Asking a higher power to give one the strength to persevere and overcome challenges seems, even from a purely psychological persepective, better than thinking one can do it all one's self. No one wants to face hardship alone. Believing that someone has your back can give hope and courage when otherwise all seems lost.

But no one is really there, therefore mental crutch. At best they are tricking themselves.