To what end we can only surmise, but absent of evidence to the contrary, we must believe the mantra’s primary function is to trumpet the triumph of materialist thought over Judeo-Christian tradition. The Scientific Method, as a method of material fact-finding, has proven itself superior to any other known technique, but it cannot consequentially be inferred that all of Western Civilization’s culture and wisdom is to be found in a Science textbook. The horror that became known as “Eugenics” stands as testimony to the deficiencies of Materialism.
The Judeo-Christian tradition is perfectly compatible, and actually quite congruent, with the scientific method. What is not compatible or congruent with the scientific method is presupposition of supernaturalistic means to explain physical phenomena.
Eugenics is as warped a response to knowledge of DNA inheritance as Socialism is in response to knowledge of Free Markets. Both see a highly productive system of individuals acting in their own best interests and want to quash it under central authority - thinking that they know better what “the market” wants.
Actual knowledge of “materialistic” biology discounts Eugenics/selective breeding of humans; because it is inconsistent with any actual positive results.
Despite the empty promises of both Socialism and Eugenics: There is no such thing as a free lunch.