Science the best Civ-Specific Ability?!

[AnabolicExtreme]

I've seen on a couple of Civ sites that the fave civ specific ability is science. This is quite surprising to me, as is the fact that religion is one of the least favourite. Why do you guys like sci so much? I think religion is the best due to it's benefits when changing gov'ts (no prolonged anarchy). It may have cultural benefits as well(?). Ideas?

Cheers!