The trouble with tribbles

There is a lot of debate out there just now with regards to religion. What is happening? I honestly felt that civilization was moving forward to a common pursuit for objective, hard evidence. I remember about 5 years ago when the international space station was in its infancy and a clutch of probes were being sent out on their travels into space. Since 9/11, an extreme focus on religion has taken place. This I feel has moved us toward the meta-physical than the actual physical. Why do humans have to paint the universe in a certain light and not accept it for what it is? It might not be pretty in places, but it can be extraordinary in others. There might not be a creator but then we are in sole charge of our destiny and if there were a creator, should we worship him so?