After reading the 49 posts here, none of which discussed a single thing from the Kristof column and the very many good explanations in it, it is clear no one changed anyone else's mind despite a few interesting arguments.

Those supporting Christianity certainly failed to back the science believers into the untenable corner of explaining how every, and I do mean every scientific theory, even when considered proven rests on assumptions. But what are assumptions if not faith that something unproven and possibly unprovable is actually truth? How is that any better than religious faith? The religious at least acknowledge they cannot prove their beliefs by scientific methods, which are not designed or intended to deal with philosophical constructs. But the science believers do not admit there are things science cannot prove upon which their entire belief system relies!

Science is very useful in helping us improve our lot in this world but supposing it disproves religious tenents is absurd.