Joe - I agree with what you say except this part, "If a group has held a teaching sacred over a number of centuries, most likely there's some wisdom to it."

Not necessarity so. Who defines what is sacred? Is it wisdom that defines what is sacred or is it dogma?

At least scientists have the grace to say something is true only until it is proven otherwise.

I have no problem with what you choose to believe but please do not condescend to tell me that they are sacred or wise. I do not adhere to a set of beliefs dictated by a group of men that isolate themselves from the rest of the world, shrouding themselves in the cloak of Christianity.

If you want to give them more power, go right ahead. Its your choice. Just remember that you are one of the people that give them the power to dictate to women how their bodies should be used, the power to commit sexual abuse of children, the power to help conquer Native people and the power to convince common people that they are sinners.