I first read Atlas Shrugged in 1968 at about the age of 17. This is probably the most common age of someone's becoming a dedicated and committed Randian. But the Rand-Branden split occurred at about this time, so my enthusiasm was somewhat muted.
At any rate, through Rand I become interested in philosophy, politics and economics, so on the whole I would regard her influence as having been beneficial.
I agree, especially in the context of Rand challenging the liberal orthodoxy that was forming at the time and continues to suffocate so much learning and innovation in this country.
However, like so many puritanical philosophical movements, it got taken over by those who wished to create a new religion, filled by those who worshiped the reasoning of Ayn Rand to the point that they became unable to reason on their own.
I read The Fountainhead while I was in hospital recovering from a tragic miscarriage. I found it to be inane and over-the-top. I never made it through Atlas Shrugged.
I have noted, and your sig line reinforces my observation, that Rand followers (no insult intended) are universally hostile to Christianity. Not unsurprising, as Ayn Rand came from hard times in a hard country (atheistic Russia).
I would be interested in hearing from any Christians who have read Ayn Rand, if there are any. Again, I have yet to meet even one.
(Just to remind the readers: Sig line was "If you are not disquieted by "One nation under God," try "One nation under Allah.")
It is, in fact, the precisely because this nation was a nation founded under God (however you personally define him), that allowed the individual freedom and explosion of creative thought that made this nation great.
This fear-mongering of Christians has simply got to stop. It's offensive. It's anti-American. It's not traditional. And it doesn't give appropriate credit where credit is due!