A non-mathematical universe[1] may also be deterministic, but determinism is still not normative. A person may be predetermined to murder someone, but that does not necessarily imply (although it may relate to) the religious norms regarding murder. Some religions believe in predestination and determinism (fatalism) regardless of physics, and yet still make normative requirements.

As long as he doesn't say how people should behave, this isn't religion (even if it relates to how people will behave).

[1]: I.e., assuming a distinction between physical and mathematical