1. "Some critical thinkers have determined that religion is necessary". I think that's what was said. The only such I'm aware of is Jefferson, who thought churches were necessary to keep the lower classes in line with the threat of hell. Even a Jefferson can have faults.

   2. Forms of marriage: let's not forget polyandry.

   3. Gay Marriage could be resolved in an instant if we were all willing to call it something else. Marriage is, after all, a religious institution (the civil marriage license is only a century old in this country) so let's give gays a form of legal commitment with rights and responsibilities equal to those of marriage. The fact is that gay and lesbian partnerships are often descriminated against in subtle and cruel ways, such as a gay being barred from a partner's deathbed because they're not the next of kin. Cruel.

   3. The Spanish Inquisition was mentioned in jest. It wasn't funny. Think a minute. All it takes is the granting of a handful of premises to turn the Inquisition into the greatest act of Christian charity in history. That's the threat of religion. Another Calvin, another Kramer, another Sprenger and the fires will be lit again.

   4. I have had some very bad experiences with Christians. As a group, I fear and distrust them. Having said that, I have to say that, although I've never met him, I must have read thousands of Mr Rasmussen's words, even had a few personal exchanges with him. On that basis, I think it would be safe to give him the key to my house and a power of attorney while I went away for a while. Pity there aren't more like him.