The only real question relevant to this discussion is whether or not existence contains a controlling deity or not. You observe, and measure your observations against the claims of the deists. From what I see so far, the universe works the way it would if nobody was controlling it. I’m still waiting for some evidence that might point the other way, but so far all we have are superstitious claims derived from primitive mindsets. Where is all the supposed supernatural activity that seems to be required, and which runs so rampant through the ancient texts of the believers? There are anecdotal claims now and again, but these always seem to fall apart under any sort of close scrutiny.

How many Christains are there in the world? A billion or so? If even only 1 in 10 is a true and sincere believer, by their prayers alone we should see childrens’ cancer wards being emptied, severed limbs growing back, and numerous and sundry signs and wonders occurring on a daily basis. In short, the kind of stuff that should have even the most cynical of skeptics taking a second look. Hell, if Christianity were really true, the papers would be full of this stuff, EVERY SINGLE DAY! Instead, we have studies touching on the efficacy of prayer, searching for tiny, anomalous occurences easily explained away by margin of error.
Silly, really.

That being said, I’m not holding my breath waiting for any new arguments concerning real evidence from. V.D. His game is convolution, pure and simple. It seems to satisfy the artichokes who glut his threads, and provides a hatrack for those who’d rather not seriously contemplate their positions. I certainly admire your patience in taking apart his arguments bit by bit, though. You’re accomplishing something that could never be done in the kind of shoot-from-the-lip dialogue that passes for argumentation over at his blog. Thanks again.