Gary:  Several times in the past (years ago) I have attempted to have a reasonable discussion with a conservative Christian.  There is no way ever to win, compromise, or even to have a truce based on 'can we agree to disagree'.  They always know who is going to heaven (those who live the Bible word-for-word and call themselves Christian) and everyone else who is going south.  My family contains beliefs on both ends, which led to a total ban of religious discussion at any gathering.  Like other humble thinkers, I feel my strong spiritual belief is my own business, between me and my creator.  Just keeping myself humble and contemplative is a full-time occupation, let alone judging someone else's piety.  Why do some here have such a chip on their shoulder about religion?  Perhaps their beliefs are not quite firm enough for confidence, and they must constantly defend themselves for fear they might begin to doubt.