"I happen to think that it is intuitively obvious that God does not exist."

Anyone who believes that is very unlikely to examine at the subject at hand in a scientific manner.

If he had had the scientific training that I have had, he would not have said it.

Steve, The biggest flaw in your argument, in my humble opinion is that you project your experience in the Catholic Church with all other religion. In my small experience, I can assure you that not all denominations are nearly as dependent on generating fear.