I am somewhat of a naturalist, but I must disagree with you here. As the writer of the article points out, understanding science makes one less dependent on myth and superstition. One man's myth and superstition is another man's religion.
I completely agree that evolutionary theory has reached the status of scientific law. I also think that the "intelligent design" movement is a step backward as far as the progress of science is concerned.
Nonetheless, I keep thinking back to Ben Franklin, when he said he regretted not living a hundred years into his future so that he could see all the wondrous things the discoveries of his day would yield. Personally, I would not want to live a hundred years into the future from today because I see very little good coming out of mice with human brains and terrorists able to make nuclear bombs in their basements.
It may be that the only thing standing between civilization as we know it and a society made up of genetically perfected clones created by scientists is myth and superstition. And so I am conflicted. I'd like to think that the positive side of human nature will prevail when it comes to the application of science, but I have my doubts.
The scientists may well be freeing society from the burdens of superstition, myth and fairy tales. But they haven't really thought out the cultural implications of spoiling the glue that has held this civilization together for several thousand years, A lot of good has come out of the fear of God, and we ought to be somewhat less inclined to pull that rug out from under our society.
The key to the WOT is the implementation of genetic engineering that will raise the fundies' collective IQ levels to the point that they can participate in the modern world.
And boy, I have my doubts, too, sometimes!
You raise a whole set of excellent points, thank you for the posting--to which I don't have time to reply in detail (maybe later, if the topic engages interest among others
Fortunately, scientists are not empowered to determine alone the application of the knowledge they uncover, nor are scientists absolved of the deep human moral responsibility we all of us should bear. I do have enormous faith in our Constitution and believe our system of government is the best ever devised to ensure (though the process is often fractious and imperfect) that power is not abused, and that the citizenry can exercise both power and restraint of power over their elected representatives.
mice with human brains
My view of the liberal agenda leads me to believe that we already have 'humans with mouse brains.'