The problem often comes because of the debates he then provokes because they can often drift into the "You're an idiot for believing in God" territory .

That's interesting. I guess that for someone like me who doesn't 'believe', I don't see that and it's probably natural that I don't. It goes back to what you said about my not finding him "preachy" because I'm 'coming from the same place' sometimes.

Please do come back on this (and the other things you've said) - I know we've talked about it a lot and it's fascinating.