If all incoming reality is like a infinite tape incoming for us to process and we have some memory to a) recall previous experiences and b) remember enough local experience — we match the patterns in the events.
The main difference b/w scientific and religious point of view on life is what to do with the rest that’s out there. Science ~says “I _know_ there are patterns out there I just dunno (yet) what they are” while religion is “I know what would match the rest! .* a.k.a. God”