I agree that the scientific establishment has leaders and somewhat enforces orthodoxies. Going against a dominant idea will probably make it hard to get grants

I agree that the scientific establishment has leaders and somewhat enforces orthodoxies. Going against a dominant idea will probably make it hard to get grants or progress a career. I still hesitate to call it a religion. It is certainly a human endeavour with all the flaws that come with that. "Scientific progress is measured in units of courage, not intelligence.". Paul Dirac.