In my religious studies classes there was a point made about separating "high religion" and "low religion." High religion refers to the abstract, philosophical

In my religious studies classes there was a point made about separating "high religion" and "low religion." High religion refers to the abstract, philosophical components of a religion: like the belief in a benevolent creator who became man. Low religion refers to the rituals and superstitions of the religion: like going to Church every Sunday, taking communion, etc. All religions consist of a both pieces, and it often makes sense to consider them separately. European pagan superstitions persisted for centuries after the population had converted to Christianity, for example. I think you could argue what you're describing are examples of the creation or transfer of low religion into atheism and agnosticism.