The "Golden Rule" is a paraphrase of this:
Matthew 7:12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. KJV
If all religion is found to be false then this world would devolve into total chaos faster than it is today.
Define "thinking freely", since belief in the literal meaning of Genesis is not a requirement for being a true Christian. Some of the foremost scientists of the past and present were and are "free thinking" individuals who were/are Bible believing Christians. What you are referring to is institutionalized religion that is based on dogma that has little to do with the Bible or what the Bible teaches. One of the reasons many people reject Christianity is because they know a Christian who practices dogma.
Setting religion aside for a moment, how many prisons do you have in Canada? As much as you may not like to admit it, human beings are basically self-centered, prideful, selfish, and will rebel against any authority that stands in the way of what they want.
As to your challenge concerning the Grand Canyon, have you checked out this site:
www.setterfield.com
I have a question for you. Do you limit science to the physical and biological sciences? What is your view of anthropology, sociology, and archeology?