Which came first: matter or spirit?

Correction – even this knowledge is far from reliable, so it's best not to think about any of these things at all, and stick only to the facts in which you are 100% certain.

I disagree with that. Even pondering something you can't solve makes you smarter. IMHO.
I agree with Locken.
There's also a thought that religion wasn't created as a cult for some god who spoke to someone. That is, it was originally conceived simply as an invention to make life easier, and what we see now is just the result of the interpretation of religion, which is understandable to the masses. Indeed, it's easier to live as a slave, to endure various unpleasant things and see how the master enjoys life, and think, "Well, it doesn't matter, I will enjoy eternity in paradise, and you will suffer in hell. Eternity is longer than life!" Now, faith still helps people who believe. If they don't go crazy, they become quite balanced and pleasant people.
Another thought is that all believers create a colossal energy that helps them.