The main heroes of Pale Blue Dot are scientists, particularly the great early modern astronomers like Galileo and Kepler. Scientists play a key theological role in the historical story Sagan wants to tell about humanity's understanding of itself.
At each stage in modern history, it is the scientist who pushes humanity forward and anti-scientific figures, like ideologues and persons of faith, who hold humanity back. Sagan sees scientists as uncovering uncomfortable truths but boldly speaking these truths to power and he also sees scientists as discovering more impressive awe than any religious faith.