pete. Assuming the concept of a deity that can intervene in the observable universe could exist, and let's face it, there is a probability that there could be design behind reality. Afer all, the laws of physics work today as much as they did in the days of Newton, so pure chaos cannot be the answer.

It still begs the question; How can any system of belief have any clue as to whether they know what "God" is? I can hold with the idea of faith in the concept of a purpose other than what we observe, but whether desert dwellers, L Ron Hubbard or Buddah describes it? That is where scientific approaches to theology can help. The determination that God has been described accurately is illogical, false and insults the intelligence of rational people.

Always assuming of course that there is any purpose beyond the dimensions of time and space. I don't know any more than you do, but the difference is I don't pretend to know, nor follow those that think they do. No problem at the personal level, but a huge issue when indoctrinating children or claiming to be relevant to an increasingly rational population capable of forming their own minds.

When people do make their own minds up and dismiss superstition, you get the browbeating abuse and bullying by those whose views are borne of ignorance, such as Sailor Jack. There are plenty like him who are told to go around claiming atheism is a threat, that Christians are being persecuted etc. it doesn't help the cause of those who genuinely believe all that stuff but don't see the need to influence those who don't.