That wasn't even a debate. Ken kept falling back on what I call the "Spiderman" defense. As in: I have this book that I believe everything about it and so should you.

Of course people believe what they want to especially when it comes to unverifiable crap like religion.

Bill Nye is a national treasure.

I think some people go back not because they necessary believe but that when they leave there is nothing to take up the void. They no longer have the network of like minded people who they feel they "belong" to/with.

To be honest I wouldn't mind if these God damned Christians were what they claim to be.
Patient, kind, loving, quick to forgive, long suffering etc..
But it seems those are the qualities of humanist, regardless of belief or lack of belief.
No, American Christians are Christian Dominionist, not any better than Nazies, and just as brutal.

The essay itself is very good to read. [christianpost.com] The following reminds me of the time I was struggling to "try" to be a Christian, for my wife's sake:

It’s impossible to say when doubts first began creeping in. I remember spending hours on my knees in prayer, my entire emotional focus pinned on talking to God, only to hear nothing back. I would feel my stomach churn wondering if there was nobody there to hear me, then convince myself it was my fault that I didn’t believe hard enough, or that I was trying to connect with God on my own strength, or something along those lines. Then, I’d redouble my efforts to connect to God more strongly in worship, or in Bible reading. If I ever felt doubts, my focus was to study to show myself approved, a workman who need not be ashamed.

Well, apart from the hours on my knees, but the spirit of trying to hear some reply from something, anything, resonates with me.

Anyone with an open mind has to look at both sides. I myself have a closed mind. lol