[cornelis]

keeping in mind that it's a generalization

Generalizations are indispensible. But why should we put up with fallacies?

[liberallarry]

We all would like to find certainty, meaning, and security in an uncertain, confusing, and frightening world. In some this need is so great that they seize upon an idea or a way of viewing the world as "the truth" and refuse to countenance any challange or contradiction.

It is this mindset that Crichton says cannot be eradicated, which he criticizes as dangerous in the extreme, and which he characterizes as religious.

Of course, there are plenty of believers who are tolerant and open-minded. Of course, there are plenty of non-believers who aren't. Of course, there are plenty of people who treat non-religious ideas in a religious way - that's the point of Crichton's article, isn't it?

Anyway, that's how I read it.