Not sure religion is the right word. And putting cult in its place may be bit better but leaves open the question of what the objective difference there is between a religion and a cult. Presumably many religions might consider each other a cult. So which one if any is right? The answer is likely that whatever religions cherish seeking truth honestly and relentlessly will be far closer to having true doctrines. Falling short of such pursuit I would call Idolatry. It is finding a shortcut substitute for ultimate truth...be it an idol, a political cause, sex, power, money, materialism, anything short of the real God behind all reality. So would say its a feature of Idolatry not to follow the evidence. And that works better I think.
You are right, idolatry or cult may be a better description. They are certainly not seeking truth, rather seeking excuses to hate civilization and people.