What kind of screwed up religion did this author grow up in? Someplace where people were judged just on the number of times they prayed?

In the religions I see, activities like prayer are largely for the benefit of the participant (strengthening their connection with God and helping bring them reassurance and guidance) not to "keep score". And all the religions I know of have some obligation to their members to invest time, money, and care into aiding the poor and the needy, which had a direct positive effect on the world.

And I say these things despite the fact that I am an atheist.