The switch from a scientific evidence-based argument to one based on belief has been the hallmark of the religious right in the USA for over a century. They do this with evolution; they do this with climate change, they do this with geography. They turn anything that shakes the foundations of their belief system around to be a ‘belief’ of the other person. This reversal and refusal to allow for the difference between science and religion, let them argue from perceived strength, after all, their mythos has a longer history than the scientist’s mythos. Plus their mythos was ‘handed down’ by a higher power, while science is the result of ‘failable’ humans. So by their faith inherently incorrect.

This is the entire problem with letting the religious control a scientific discussion; they turn it into a theological debate. They are attempting to reduce science to the level of a competing religion.