I think one could argue that Theism is one of the elements that contributes to progess in science and technology. Belief in something beyond ourselves. It generates creativity and a sense of purpose. When we look at the most creative, important and productive societies in history:

1. Classical Greece circa 600-400 B.C.
2. Seventeenth century Britain and the Nethlerlands
3. Nineteenth century America

We see that intense religiosity was a major element in all three. The Greeks took their religious oracles very seriously, particularly in decisions regarding their constant wars between competing city states. Both Britain and the Netherlands fought vicious religious civil wars in the seventeenth century. The American civil war was largely fueled by religious controversey over the morality of slavery: e.g., John Brown, the Quakers etc. Also, obviously, we see that civil instability was a major element in all three. This breaks down bureaucracies, that mitigate against change. Also, all three were extremely prosperous, despite their periods of extreme instability. People had resources to work with. Thus:

1. Theism
2. Social instability preventing the estabilishment of stable bureaucracy
3. Prosperity

Seem to be the three critical elements in contributing to rapid development in science and technology, and, to some extent, culture in general.