I think the kernel of legitimate concern here is that we partisans of an enlightenment world view must be careful not to stoop to the level of the ancient world

I think the kernel of legitimate concern here is that we partisans of an enlightenment world view must be careful not to stoop to the level of the ancient worldviews we compete with. Too many people "believe in" science the same exact way that others believe in superstition. They accept the results because of authority, without ever internalizing the process. Schools are complicit in this problem. Learning that the earth goes around the sun without studying the evidence for how we know that is deeply misguided. Yet we quiz kids on the findings, not on whether they can explain and defend the findings. There are plenty of people walking around who know what's on the periodic table, without having the slightest ability to explain where it came from or why we know it's true. It might as well be holy scripture.