Proof and evidence will always equal Science

[Anomalocaris]

In my neighborhood I don't interact with many 'highly educated' theists IRL. For 50+ years all theists I've interacted with believe god exists and actively manipulates the material world. I see it on TV, hear it on the radio and get a personal dose at weddings and funerals. One recovering addict I often speak with tells me how every obvious coincidence is a 'hand of god' miracle.

I've never personally met any that take Bel's or Neo's position. No offense guys but you might need to come down from the mountain top and admit that you might be the exception rather than the rule.

I suspect they are not the exception really.  they are much like many of the others in the reason for and manner of their belief.  Except they have a combination two other traits:
1.  They are not so secure in their own beliefs as to say ridiculous or not to someone intelligent, this is their belief.
2.  They have exaggerated notion of their own ability to obscure the ridiculousness of their belief with overblown word games when the ridiculousness is pointed out. 

if they had simply said it must be true because it is ridiculous, then at least it shows the conviction of faith.