Good post, filled with lots of creamy truth.
I live in the bible belt, I know the frustrations of trying to debate religion. In the end, it really comes down to arguing logic against opinion. As you said, they've chosen their favorite sports team, and that team, to them, is the best thing ever. They've chosen to believe in what they WANT to believe rather than in the reality in front of them. Really nothing you can do when one side has changed the rules of logic to an arbitrary set of rules made up by ancient nomadic tribes.
Pretty much all my friends and family, including people I think a lot of, are religious. It's not like I necessarily have anything against people who base their lives around faith in a god. However, I'd be lying if I didn't admit that I look at any adult who talks about talking snakes and oceans parting in the middle as being a bit light in the head. In my opinion, it's much the same as if someone came up to me with 'Alice in Wonderland' and told me that it really happened and I should start praying to the Mad Hatter.
Beyond all that, though, is the fact that I just don't like any god I've yet come across. They seem to be childish, selfish, and ego-maniacal. I can't even understand the purpose of worship except perhaps out of fear. I don't necessarily disbelieve in the idea of a "prime mover"--or, at least, I'm open-minded about it--but, given that most gods are enormous flakes, I really hope that there aren't any out there.
