Yes, and mostly I think it goes down to greed, (and fear) that is preponderant in most humans..
Problems of man:
Greed - seeking salvation for ourselves. (Religion) (Why Masons prefer charity)
Greed - seeking easy win, by prayer (Religion)
Greed - keeping knowledge for ourselves (Bessler)
Greed - seeking short term win, while long term is needed.
Fear - keeping true knowledge/science for ourselves (fear of Religion)
Fear - seeking easy comfort by prayer (Religion)
Example of secondary problems that slows down progress and wastes time:
Praying for better health, as no medicine or knowledge is available due to religious banning of publication of such study. The man has no choice to spend his time study himself or get a cure, and turns to prayer.. But the real problem I see, is that so much time could be spent better, if all of those started so study the truth rather being satisfied with the accepted method of prayer, or other occult spells..as you wrote..
Example: (on understanding the vascular system and the human body).
Michael Servitus, a Spanish physician born in 1511, possessed a thorough knowledge of Galen’s writings. He carried out vivisections on animals and also observed the pulmonary circulation. He was burned at the stake for his religious beliefs on 27 October 1553.
If this NOT delaying scientific progress by religion.. I really wonder..
And did you know that Leonardo da Vinci knew, illustrated and explained this already? and that it took several hundre years before his work got recognized, and him as a true scientific genius..and NOT just a payed religious artist/painter.. Well, it could be that he put it into his paintings..Paintings made for people that he hated..about matters that he hated.. rather than being burned.. who knows.. maybe Bessler did..and kept silent.. (delaying progress again)..
Just my humble thoughts on the matter..