Bram Stoker's Dracula (1897) begins with religion having a noticeable but minor role. The role, however, grows significantly as the story progresses and becomes the concluding theme of the book.
Jonathan Harker, fresh from England, while observing the people of Transylvania, their dress and customs, notes their frequent use of religious gestures and objects and recalls his upbringing against idolatry. He notes it but merely accepts it as their way of life.
Back in civilized England, however, religion is present but as more of a background activity than a central feature of people's lives.
Eventually Mina Harker is bitten and begins transforming into a vampire. When she and Van Helsing's band travel to the wilderness, they have to rely on God's will to survive and succeed in their mission. They're outside the realm of known science, so all they have is their faith. They have learned what the local people have learned, that garlic and religious objects repel vampires. Now they, too, must practice what they once thought was superstition.
They accept that Mina can only be saved by God's will. Civilization and scientific knowledge will not help. Fortunately Van Helsing with his open mind and logical thinking is able to devise a plan that, God willing, will save her. They must find and destroy Dracula and the 3 sister vampires.
In the end, God's will prevails, good wins over evil, and Mina is saved. She even notices Dracula himself finds peace at last--just a brief look on his face as he dies. Unfortunately Quincey dies in the struggle but future generations are now safe from the menace of Dracula and the three sister vampires.
Reference:
Bram Stoker. Dracula [Kindle Edition]. 1897.
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