every scientist has been wrong many times. that is why scientific observation must be backed up by testing. any real scientist can change his mind based on any new piece of evidence. religious dogma,on the other hand, resists any challenge to its traditional beliefs. as far as superior intellect. every study shows an inverse realtionship between religious belief and intellect.
Hawking is the smartest man on earth. But he deals with the physical. He does not deal with the metaphysical. I find it amazing that atheist do not regard a simple physical fact. We cannot see UV. Our sense of smell is much less than that of a dog, as well as our sense of hearing. Saying that there is no extra-normal force because we have not measured it yet is simplistic, to say the least.
Just like the last time he thought he was right, but was later proven wrong? The only individuals who know for an absolute certain fact as to whether there is a heaven or not are all dead. And they're not talking. Me personally, I assume I'm going to hell while quietly hoping the atheists are right. A kind of prepare for the worst and hope for the best kinda thingy. On a positive note, this is one mystery we will ALL find out the answer to some day. The downside unfortunately is that we're going to find out - the hard way.
So how was he proven wrong? I see you're another playing the rather unedifying game of "let's die and see" .
One should emphasize though that everything mentioned in this thread as "religion" refers exclusively to the religions originating from Judaism. In all kinds of these religions, including Christianity and Islam, the existence of a creator god and of creation is a dogma, an unchangeable, undiscutable tenet. This is why they are fundamentally incompatible with science in general, and the scientific approach in particular. Buddhism for example on the other hand is perfectly compatible with science, with the theory of evolution, and has no need at all neither for a dogma of creation, nor for a creator, not even for a god at all. Buddhism has taught for thousands of years that all phenomena, the whole universe appear spontaneously from emptyness. Quite similar actually to what Hawkings says. So not all religions are the same.
Simple physical facts are based on our ability to perceive, and interpret, that information. It is hubris to believe we have explored all available options.