We need more theistic activity

[vulcanlogician]

That would require the admission that theism could in some sense possibly be reasonable. I would refer you to the thread about beliefs it is reasonable for a Christian to hold. Not very encouraging.

I know quite a few rational theists in RL, and I consider you, CL, RR, and Steve (among others) to be rational theists. We could even tack on names like William James and Søren Kierkegaard. I have no problem admitting that a theist can be rational, and that (though it leads me to the contrary position) reason can lead one to conclude theism.

The thing that I'm divided about is the rampant anti-intellectualism found commonly in evangelical and fundamentalists strains of Christianity. I think it would even irk Aquinas if he were alive to witness it today. You make it sound like atheists have some kind of prejudice concerning theists being opposed to rational thought, when the fact is, many theists will readily admit to being anti-science and anti-reason. Some of them occasionally show their faces on these forums. Here's an exact quote from another website that encapsulates the view of many theists:

God's Word trumps all evidence presented by man.

Very good way to sum it up.

As someone interested in the pursuit of higher knowledge, I'd think that such sentiments should be equally bothersome to you, Neo. At the very least, you should sympathize with those of us who opposed to cultural movements which are imbued with anti-intellectual fervor. Such anti-intellectualism isn't peculiar to Christianity--but you must admit, in American culture, in contemporary times, those who would oppose critical thinking, science, and rational discourse are chiefly gathered under one flag: evangelical Christianity.

As a fellow intellectual, you ought to see why I forcefully speak my mind when confronted with ignorance that justifies itself by pointing at the Bible.

You are right to criticize the view that theism cannot be rationional. I agree with you on this. But you are mistaken if you assume that atheistic prejudice is what associates theism with anti-reason. Evangelical Christianity has taken great pains to associate itself with anti-reason. And fundamentalism is this association in distilled form.

I admit I might have participated in running a rational theist or two off with forceful arguments (and I regret doing so). And I admit that I have, on occasion, conflated theism with anti-reason. But if I'm going to admit this, I think you need to admit that the contemporary Christian cultural landscape has an ignorance problem, and anyone who believes in the capability of science and reason to lead us to a greater understanding is justified in opposing it.