Erikson vs. Freud; Theology vs. Empiricism (Religion vs. Science)

Sigmund Freud and Erik Erikson are two psychologists who disagreed on the value of religion for human civilization. Freud argued that religion is a corrosive influence on society because it is rooted in fantasy; whereas Erikson believed that religion provides an important framework and order for life. A 2010 Pew Research study estimated that 5.9 billion people claim affiliation to an organized religious group.  If Freud's theory is correct 84% of the world population is engaged in wishful thinking. Could it be possible that a majority of society are immature and childish? 
In his book, The Future of an Illusion, Freud discusses the destructive nature of human beings and the need to find a way to coerce people to overcome their laziness and impulses.  His perspective on religion is built on his theory of the id, the ego and the superego. He also discusses the primal need for people to find comfort and feel the illusion of control when facing the harsh realities of life. When still a child a person first turns to his mother, then later on, his father, to solve his problems and protect him. This emotional craving for reassurance and comfort persists with a person throughout his life; and in the absence of a father, people turn to religion. Religion and its associated moral precepts can also serve as a motivation for the work and impulse control that is needed for the functioning and continued preservation of society. Religious ideas inform people on the most important issues in life. However, Freud opines that religion is merely an illusion rooted in wishful thinking. Moreover, whereas statements made in other aspects of life can be questioned and even proven, religion is often accompanied with dogmatism. Questioning the tenets of religion is often met with negative consequences. Instead, belief in religious principles rests on inherited tradition and assumptions of proof that are also passed down from previous generations.
Freud believed that human society progressed through science, not religion; and that science and religion were mortal enemies. Due to the advancements in science such as technology and medicine, religion will become less and less relevant. Instead of turning to an imaginary g-d for help with an illness or preparation for a natural disaster, practical solutions will be found in scientific discoveries. It is for this reason Freud asserts that religion can be a destructive force as it can convince someone to be lazy and avoid pursuing real solutions to his problems and taking the necessary steps to improve his life and the world he lives in.
Erik Erikson critiques Freud's beliefs of religion from a psychoanalytic point of view. Erikson argued that Freud’s misunderstanding of religion results from his misunderstanding of the human mind. While he respects the premise Freud’s theory of the human mind, he believes it is truncated and ignores many aspects of human capacity. Erikson refutes Freud's assertion that religion is a vacuous illusion. There are many variables that influence the formation of religious beliefs. These include social influences, interpersonal interactions and creative innovation. Religious symbols cannot be reduced to simplistic psychic phenomena because they invariably express multiple meanings that transcend even unconscious experiences.
Erikson directly challenges Freud's claim that religion is childish and anti-social. Religion offers a greater meaning and internal motivation for self-control. A comprehensive religious worldview in this regard is not limited to those of the Judeo-Christian tradition, rather, secular ideologies such as humanism and rationalism can also serve to provide stability in life and a moral guide for ethical behavior.
Erikson recognizes the connection of human maturation to the development of trust; the ability to both trust oneself and to trust the world one lives in. With this understanding of human nature religion plays a significant role in the human psyche. Religion provides a framework for a mature trust in life that, unlike an infantile trust, is a faith that takes into account the alienations and anxieties that are discovered throughout childhood and adult life. Erikson's definition of religion is a worldview that is developed or exists with societal confirmation that  inspires aspirations and motivation and contains a comprehensive ideological system that can help its adherents to overcome adversity and support both individual sense of identity and a collective or group identity.
According to Freud’s interpretation of religion majority of society structure their lives around a false sense of reality. Erikson’s disagreement with Freud is not based on theological grounds, instead, his positive opinion of religion stems from his deeper understanding of human psychology. Considering the Pew Research study in 2010, the majority of society have not come to regard religion as irrelevant in their lives as Freud predicted. However, noted scientists and atheist thinkers, such as Sam Harris and Richard Dawkins, continue to educate the public on the growing role of science in the development of human civilization. They agree with Freud that the reliance on religion and its influence on the progress of society will diminish over time with the advancement of science.