I cut him off and said, “I believe in science” and I could see the immediate relief on his face.

I find it so fucking weird that it's not the default position, but....I'm almost sure it's not. Personally, I like to say science requires no belief, but merely accepting the evidence [1]...but the shorthand is usually easier.

Anyway, imagine going to a mechanic, and they give you some spiel about how "I'm required to inform you that oil changes are a matter of personal and religious choice...." 🤯

[1] This is only because some brainiacs like to pretend as if science and religion are just two sides of the same coin and both require belief. It's really a way that they are telling on themselves and basically admitting they know nothing about basic principles of science....but you hear it all the time.