Mathematics: Truth or Tool?

This is a kind of appendum to the thread I made on the unified theory.

It was always my understanding that mathematics was a tool to be used to confirm what we believe to be the truth where it is applicable, and to make sure that conformity is met.
Planetary orbits are plotted, distances measured, designs passed from architect to builder etc etc...

Yet now it seems that if mathematics says it is - then it must be so. It has become the truth of the thing.
And the scientific community seems to be embracing this. Does being the fact it looks good on paper make it so?

I note that in most ATM discussions the first cry is - "Show us your equations!"
But if the equation for the multi-verse was shown would everyone go "Ok, fair enough, it must be mainstream"

Maybe I'm just seeing the thorny bit of general scientific views here, or being a stick-in-the-mud and having my own views on the thing, but I would be interested in BAUT member's feedback on how they feel mathematics should be used, and how far you can take it.

Is it just a tool, or has it become something almost akin to a deity that we most follow without question?

__________________
I don't believe in mathematics. Albert Einstein

Biologically speaking, if something bites you it's more likely to be female. Desmond Morris.

Quantum analysis is scientific dithering

Professor Frink: My observations n'hey, n'hey, show the universe could be a torus Weh, uh, or toriod it may like the typewriters and bananas and the monkeys with big teeth the biting the screaming Mm-hai!

Homer: mmmmm... doughnuts!