Let me say it this way Steve... you are like an old friend of mine who was very smart, and who was usually right about things, but sadly, had no idea how to BE right. It is NOT the case that those who WE are sure are both wrong and not 'getting it' are by definition "dishonest".

Allegedly? You called Pete names "cheap, facile unthinking...buffoon".

He is none of those. He thinks...and you & I know where his thinking has problems. Facile? "..affable, agreeable, or complaisant; easily influenced:". Not exactly... we educated, intelligent folk sure aren't budging him! He IS trying to cope with both your arguments and MY arguments. He is far from 'cheap', if I glean your meaning. He is far from a buffoon...look it up!
You, Steve, toss those words around loosely, rather than trying to find really fitting language that 'might' get you some attention, if not agreement. *I* might say he is 'stubborn', but from his theological viewpoint, he NEEDS to be stubborn.

I read an opinion once that... no matter what your religion, club, family, team, or political party, there is always someone on your side who you wish was on the OTHER side.
I disagree with Pete on almost every major point, but I can talk to him.... I'm not really sure I'd have YOU on my side in a debate.

"Oh wad the gift the giftie gie us..."