ID2006, did you even bother to read what I wrote before you tried to claim that I feel the exact opposite of what I said? You basically just told me my religion doesn't stand up to scientific scrutiny because of the 6,000 yr theory and that I am choosing to ignore the controversy of creation. That's pure ignorance. I clearly stated that I believe the earth is older than 6,000 yrs and that time-frame was established from man and his theories, not from God. Not only am I engaging the topic, but it also passes scientific scrutiny.

Clak, I don't think people should stop learning. Those ppl who work in the various fields have an interest and follow it. My interests lie elsewhere so naturally I care to study up on and spend time on other things. Exploring science is very prudent, just not my personal interest. I don't ignore it, nor do I dwell on it.
I can empathize with your misgivings about the Bible's vagueness. I feel it is entirely on purpose that so many things are left directly unanswered. If everything were explicitly explained then there would be no finding God on my own. I wouldn't be 'choosing' God but merely following a set of rules. That is why the Israelite people never held Jerusalem for long. They always put more emphasis on the law rather than focusing on God and the purpose of the law. So God sent Jesus to shatter the law and bring focus back to Him.

As for being 'sanctimonious'... I apologize for coming across that way. I do not believe I am any better than any of you. I was simply saying that Christianity has a reward of eternal life in Heaven, whereas atheism is life then death, the end. No rewards or reflections, just start and stop. I guess you could say the reward is life itself, but I assure you there are a large percentage of non-Christians who do not feel that this life is a reward. (I'm assuming that atheism is the alternative expressed in most of you). I don't see how you could consider this extreme, but so be it. You certainly are right about many ppl going from one extreme to the other though. I know you guys don't want a Bible lesson so I won't go into detail, but the Bible almost says as much. It says something to the effect of those who have a harder path in finding God make a greater witness for Him.