Since this is still the old earth, and Jesus is not ruling it, it is Satan who is ruling.

Satan is the god of this age at the moment.

Think about it.

Satan blinds their minds so they would not see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ and would not become believers.

Do consider Satan trying to gain or to keep people worshipping himself instead of God. Satan has Always tried doing this and will be doing so until he is sentenced to hell.

Religion cannot be explained in one sentence.

Satan probably desires silence when it comes to his evil plans. True awareness lies in knowing the desires of evil.