I would say they happened because of a lack of faith. Certainly a suspension of Jesus words "My kingdom is not of this world".
This is why theocracies never work.
But there is also dynastic ambition, National willy waving happening as well. Dont forget the Vatican did not have massive armies and people were moved by the will of a few kings and Lords.
This is why in the reformation the move was back to scripture and making that the benchmark. There are no armies of God in the NT merely the story of beleaguered Israelites and an early christianity existing precariously in a powerful and ruthless pagan empire. Out of this denominations sprang up religion becomes more personal. Work ethic then unfortunately a focus on material things both socially and philosophically.
One thing for christianity is that people can say whatever they like about it and can draw cartoons etc without fear of retribution from any branch of the movement, so at least it can now continue being ignored, as it largely is in the UK, which provides the time needed to concentrate on dismantling its far to many privileges.
Have you managed to find any evidence that would support the magical, mystical and superstition based parts of your manual yet? (World fame and all that goes with it etc).
Have a good day Vlad, ippy.