I realize that there are people at Mudcat that seek to prevent rational discussion of religious issues because they are certain that all religion is bad and all religious people are stupid

Er, you post this, then, down the thread, express the hope for a rational debate. Perhaps you'd care to take this opportunity, as I do not take offence (as I have no right to not be offended) to say who these miscreants are. I for one would feel very cross indeed if I saw anyone here post that all religion is bad and that all religious people are stupid.