[Tolik]

OSC clearly does not want to mix his belief in God and his love of science. While lots of stuff in this article is debatable, the overall tone is in favor of evolution and against calling ID science. Some my detest that, but he also put succinctly how NOT to debate in favor of evolution.

Anyway, totally unrelated to the subject of this thread, but you mentioned that you love Sci-Fi and I am always a sucker for good recommendations. Any names and "must reads"?

My personal favorites of late alongside OSC are Vernor Vinge (everything), Dan Simmons (Hyperion Cantos), Neal Stephenson (Diamond Age and Snow Crush, did not read his "historical" 1000+ pages books)

[CobaltBlue]

Stephenson's "historical 1000+ pages books" are way cool, IMO. Couldn't wait to read them, and am now re-reading them. Very interesting on the history of money and the stock market.

[Condorman]

Greg Bear (Eon, Queen of Angels) comes to mind. If you're looking for something off the beaten path, try Neil Gaiman (American Gods, Good Omens-with Terry Prattchet).

The Mars series by Kim Stanley Robinson is a daunting task, but has a lot to recommend it.

[Physicist]

Any names and "must reads"?

The "Culture" novels by Iain Banks. Brutal space opera. Prozac prescription required.

[PatrickHenry]

My personal favorites of late alongside OSC are Vernor Vinge (everything), Dan Simmons (Hyperion Cantos), Neal Stephenson (Diamond Age and Snow Crush, did not read his "historical" 1000+ pages books)

Other than Vinge, I don't have any familiarity with the others you mentioned. I'm a "hard SF" guy -- Heinlein, Forward, Niven, Pournelle, Joe Haldeman, stuff like that. I haven't kept up with the new writers. Oh, I'm really fond of Keith Laumer's time travel and alternate-universe stories.

[Thatcherite]

The early Honor Harrington stories by David Weber.

Peter Hamilton's Reality Disfunction series.
Peter Hamilton's Pandora's Star series.

David Feintuch's Hope series. (first 4 books)

I've just bought Simmon's Hyperion, so I'm looking forward to that one.

I like some fantasy too. (though not most of it). Pretty much anything by Robin Hobb is good recently. And for kick-in-the-pants surprises and an endless well of gore the G R R Martin Song of Ice and Fire (like the Borgias meets the War of the Roses)