@KitMuse @bookstodon A couple of Heinlein novels that spring to mind are Job and Stranger in a Strange Land, both of which have religious themes.
Also the science backed religion in the first Foundation novel by Asimov. And Childhoods End by Clarke has some broad cosmic themes to it, although they don't emerge till late in the book.
Edit. Sorry, just noticed you wanted to avoid the Golden Age
@Salvo @Seagoon_ I know this isn't a good situation, but could you do something with a WiFi extender?