Reply #271: I'm operating with less strict standard of evidence than you're requiring of religion.

[lumberjack_jeff]

I suggest two topics of research; Fermi's paradox and the book Rare Earth, why complex life is uncommon in the universe

There is only one electromagnetic spectrum. Alien civilizations would have to use the same one we do. No observer within 70 light years of the earth could possibly miss our signals. In contrast, we've been listening to the cosmos for 30 years and have heard absolutely nothing. Also, we've observed lots of planets, but not one has demonstrated any evidence of gaseous oxygen.

Unlike the girl in my example, we prayed for the pony and got jack squat, but that hasn't shaken your faith.

I simply think that the religious deserve as much benefit of the doubt as those who watched too much star trek as kids.