Great Post! Even as a devoutly religious person, I think you're squarely spot on with several of your observations. For example, this is a fantastic thought, and eloquently put:

Can religion as we have come to know it exist in a world of Gods? Or is the real “end” of religion the beginning of something heaven-like?

I don't necessarily agree with this point:

Fundamental cause 2. is gone and isn’t coming back. Sciences explanatory reach is here to stay. Religion will continue to lose all ground when it comes to explanation.

Science is AWESOME - but it is also flawed. Not necessarily the process, but we make mistakes in our assumptions all the time. The prevailing winds of science change constantly. I'm not saying this to discount science - or say we should only live by faith - but simply that science is not perfect either. In our quest for answers through the scientific method, we make mistakes and assumptions that only come to light later.

I love this:

On a personal level, I feel as though religion has always been a dream of our species. We have used religion to dream of the impossible. As I state above, we dream of the infinite, but it has always been far out of our grasp.

I have seen in my life and in the life of others when, instead of religion inspiring us to dream the impossible, it has stifled progression. For example - some people disagree with ALL stem cell research because SOME stem cells come from embryos. That to me is sad. So much that could be good for humans is stifled because of the vocal religious beliefs of some. Religion should inspire us to seek out ALL knowledge. You discuss the New Atheist. Perhaps I'm one of the new believers. I believe in a God that wants me to... no... EXPECTS me to learn all I can, to seek out knowledge and do as much good for as many as possible.

I guess this is my way of saying - I don't think religion (and I come at that from a decidedly Christian angle) and science need to be mutually exclusive. I believe they can coexist. Science has explained so much - and perhaps in a few years it will explain everything. Until then, I suppose I will hold to exploration and faith. Thanks again for a great post.