Call me suspicious but I think the whole survey was contrived to make it look as though it is more intellectual to be an atheist than a Christian. American Public Radio made a huge deal out of it. As already pointed out, the survey didn't test anyone's real indepth knowledge of scripture or anyone's ability to reason why they believe the way they do. Also, I appreciate Olson's observation that as our public education has declined so has the public's morals and religious based belief systems. Even so, I will accuse the average professing Christian guilty of not adequately educating themself on what they believe and why they believe it. Our popular, tv saturated culture has caused a lot of brain atrophy and Christians have been a victim of it as well secular society.

I also have to add that, Keith, even though I don't know you, I simply love your answer! It was the cherry on top of a great discussion. I daresay Deke was hoping to intimidate the rest of us with all his sophisticated rhetoric and you matched him point for point beautifully. I look forward to meeting you when as the old country hymn goes: "When we all get together, what a day of rejoicing that will be!" This was definitely one of the best post discussions yet. Who says Christians are anti-intellectual?

Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools...They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator--who is forever praised. Amen. Romans 1:22, 25

I think both MB and Thomas Gilson wrote excellent responses to Dawkins arguements. What little I've read of Dawkins struck me as very poor reasoning and not even good writing.

I listened to Anne Rice talk about her conversion on Focus on the Family with James Dobson. I had my doubts then so I am not surprised that she is now renouncing what she never truely surrendered to in the first place. I think that the comments posted about this article are just as articulate and well-said as the article itself and I recommend it to everyone to read. In the words of Ray Comfort: Anne Rice has broken the second commandment: She has created a god to suit herself. Why? Because she never followed the first commandment: love the Lord your God with all your heart mind and soul. Jesus said if you love Him you'll keep his commandments. Rice claims to love Christ but she refuses to obey him. Well, I'm being redundant. Other posters have already said it so well.