I suppose this is then a distinction between tactics and strategy. Sure, given the right circumstances, an appeal to a religious authority can win the day, but in the long run I think it is deleterious. At this time, for most people, it may be true that an appeal to religion is the best way to convince people to act good, but it will always remain a great way to convince them to do bad things in ways that do not apply to non-faith based framework.