True religion contributes to the moral climate because it is authoritative. One who has such a word will do anything. Stephen, in Acts 7, speaks words of bold repudiation to the community leaders of his day. He sees their anger, but presses on. There is no fear in this man as he becomes the first Christian martyr.
Religion is also powerful because it offers people a way to be good.
Almost everyone wants to be good. Consider the sale of William Bennett's The Book of Virtues. It is a children's story book, yet it has sold as well as the best novels. Parents want their children to learn how to be good. Also, the fact that over 70 percent of Americans want prayer in school suggests that society is hungry for morality.