Many things with unknown factors and uncertain results have to
be taken on a certain amount of faith, but that does not equal
religion.
Football is not a religion, despite how some people react to it.
You are exagerrating the claim.
So tell me, how do you expect a group of scientists to search for
something that they have no proof for yet, but naturally put out
some ideas based on scientific principles and a data point of at
least one? We know at least one world created (somewhat)
intelligent life and there are plenty of other star systems around
and evidence for many planets, so that is a start.
Their ideas in this regard are grounded in science, not religion.
If they are wrong, they will change their search parameters. If
they find out there is no other life elsewhere, they will say so.
How would most religions and their practitioners respond if they
discovered that their gods did not exist?
Your misinterpretation of the issues here only serve to muddy the
waters. If you have a better, more scientific idea on how to find
alien life, please feel free to tell us.