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I think it depends on how one looks at it. Certainly religion plays a very different role, but, to me, the fact that demonic movies have become quite popular is evidence that religion still remains important in at least some of the horror movies of the present. To be sure, the role that religion plays in film is definitely quite different than in the 80s or especially the 70s.
Many horror films today do seem to lack religion or criticize it though. The Devil's Rejects, love it or hate it, really comes to mind. Especially the scene when one of the killers asks his victims to pray to their God to strike him down. This is a classic criticism of religion. Further, I recently listened to some of an episode of a popular thriller show, which is practically horror T.V. show, called the Following where similar criticisms were raised in the season finale. I am sure other examples exist. In many ways this is common in many ways. The horror movies of the 2000s+ seem to be much darker and more cynical than even many horror films of the 1990s. With all the events both in the United States (9/11) and around the world (global economic recession, Iran, North Korea, etc), this is not entirely surprising.
To return to my point of demonic films, the role religion plays is definitely different than older films like the Exorcist. Even in popular films like Paranormal Activity, religion does seem to be surprisingly absent. On that point, the characters call a demonologist instead of a priest and there was no classic scene of a priest attempting to bless the house. So, now that I think about it, I would have to say that religion has taken a back seat.
One question would be why is this the case? I think one of the most influential aspects is demographics. Many horror movies are intended to appeal to younger audiences and growing numbers of younger individuals no longer follow an organized religion. Many even view organized religion as a symbol of oppression and traditional practices. These younger individuals want to get away from this symbols of a bygone age.
This development in horror movies is quite interesting and will definitely be something to watch. Maybe religion will make a comeback, maybe it won't. In any case, quite interesting.
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