There are other rigorous, empirical methodologies researchers could employ, however. (edchoice.org)
The major source of the research has been academic dissertations; these have been the most substantial in terms of empirical methodology and usable information for critical purposes. (religion-online.org)
Which probably explains why many atheists are attracted to science: most of us were raised in a religious environment, and rather than proving the religion's hypothesis, we instead gathered proof and then when we got a different result than the Church taught, we said «hang on a second...» We're naturally inclined towards empirical Methodology. (religion.blogs.cnn.com)