"There is a fundamental difference between religion, which is based on authority, [and] science, which is based on observation and reason. Science will win because it works." Stephen Hawking on Religion: 'Science Will Win' http://abcnews.go.com/WN/Technology/stephen-hawking-religion-science-win/story?id=10830164 "What could define God [is thinking of God] as the embodiment of the laws of nature. However, this is not what most people would think of that God," Hawking told Sawyer. "They made a human-like being with whom one can have a personal relationship. When you look at the vast size of the universe and how insignificant an accidental human life is in it, that seems most impossible."
What is the scientific answer to the question of one's purpose in life? Or morality? comparing science and religion really is apples oranges. One deals with the physical, the other the spiritual. (which needs explaining only to the atheist, ie; the unenlightened) Ironically, religious beliefs evolve, the most virulent atheists ignore this.