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OK, granted. But I stand by my suggestion that it is a faulty comparison - in order to get a clear indication of statistical probability, the Islamic world must first be on the same playing field as Christians in that they be allowed to scrutinize and subsequently choose their own beliefs without fear of retribution.

If anything, this makes my point even stronger.

My point was that people born in Muslim indoctrinating countries are overwhelmingly Muslim, and are convinced of the "truth" of Islam.

And had you been born in one of those countries, you'd likely be attempting now, to convince me of a "truth" other than the one you hold dear now.

Simple statement of fact.

Huh? Let's sum up.

You said (paraphrase) - the location of one's birth dictates religious beliefs due to demographically dominant religion. For example, born in US = Christian, born in middle east = Muslim.

I said - until Islamic culture allows Muslims to evaluate beliefs without fear of death or dismemberment, your point suffers.

This is why - how can we honestly believe that these Muslims are true Muslims if they are not allowed to question their faith? Also it is much less likely that they are able to get access to religious material of another nature.

Christians, on the other hand, are Christians by choice, in that they have the freedom and resources with which to question their own faith, reject it, adopt another faith, or remain religion-free.

In other words - Christians = belief by choice, Muslims (usually) = belief by no other choice. Not a good comparison.

It seems to me that if God is all merciful and just, He should be available to everyone, regardless of the time or place of his birth. A man born in Egypt a thousand years ago, or a man born in India five thousand years ago, or a man born in America five years ago will, on average, have very different views of life based on their culture, language and climate. Regardless, I believe these men can turn to God and receive His grace. They will not be using the same words or worshipping in the same traditions, but I believe God is far, far greater than those limited words and traditions.

By definition God is unlimited, infinite, immortal, omniscient and omnipresent. There can only be one such Being. If one argues that his god is superior to all other gods, then he is arguing that his god has limitations and therefore is not the ultimate God. That is, in my opinion, a form of unintended idolatry. That, or he is assuming that men from different times and places than his own are not seeking almighty God, but rather some lower god. This is an arrogant assumption. The other possiblity is that God is not fair or merciful, and does not make Himself available to all.