Reply #5: I've generally followed an accommodationist strategy . . .

[MrModerate]

As in "sure you believe in fairy tales, but most people have some sort of faith-based belief that can't be verified independently -- that their children are smart, or their spouse is attractive, or the special dessert they make is outstanding -- that it would be churlish of me to call you on your religion."

But I'm now wondering if such a strategy is sustainable in a world where (supposedly) 92 percent of Americans believe in god, and live their lives (and make political choices) as if that were true.

Most atheists would agree, I think, that decisions made through the lens of superstition are often suboptimal and sometimes disastrous. I may have to reevaluate my accommodationism and move toward more activism, at least on a social level. It's less important now I'm living in Australia (one of those countries where religion is on the way to becoming extinct) than when I lived in the States, but I may well return to the States one day and I should probably prepare myself now.