Hm. I was more getting at people that go, "I believe in science", where normally you would say "I believe in *whatever religion here". Or the assumption that because of science there is no longer any need for religion. People do treat it as a replacement.

The trouble is I think, religion tends to be embedded pretty strongly into culture (even when individuals are athiest, the community may remain Christian say). Religion is certainly a great way to build up social capital in communities, which will factor into culture.