Steve, I sensed that you perceive religion as this threat to the advance of civilization...

Well you can just stop right there. I have not said anything like that. I was referring to those with extreme views who deny evolution, which is good science, and who try to replace it with creationism, which is a pack of lies based on superstition and no evidence. Religious people have been in the forefront of civilisation in many fields. Carrying one delusion doesn't stop people from doing good stuff.