I am in favor of the scientific investigation of religion through psychology, history, the use of
carbon dating, DNA, etc. and attempting to understand the claims made by religious institutions. I don't see that this is harmful in any way and might shed more positive light on how religion functions in society.

Joe Campbell has stated that we need our myths. They are symbols and reflect what values society holds. They can be educative in that they prescribe productive ways to live. Myths need to be examined.

In this way, religion and science can find a rapprochement. Building an artificial barrier between the two doesn't help.

if the leading scientists of the world explored religion through their inductive methods,
we might learn ways to govern ourselves and outlaw war.

Frank Hamilton