It is independent of what one wishes or fears. Students who disagree silently stand by as he condemns science. Any criticism is limited to sophomoric frat-boy chicanery. Religion is based on mysticism. Whether a Native American is performing a rain dance or a priest performs a ceremony that will turn water to wine, there is no difference.
Religion is intellectually bankrupt.
Science has dragged us from caves to the moon in several hundred years. Knowledge is obtained through reason. It is not found through the Torah, Bible or Koran, although there are some interesting stories. It is obtained through rational logical thought. Reason is man's only means to survival.