See, that's the kind of contrast I like to provide. So far, the only petty name-calling has been from Reuben.

i have to say i am surprised that there is actual intelligent discussion going on here instead of petty name calling and ppl shouting "YOUR ALL GOING TO HELL", so good job guys

yes, definitely, there's nothing as controversial in what you're saying as what I misread you to be saying. I respect your views, and notice you have a lot in common with Bill Hicks who famously despaired at the idea of a 'prankster' God burying fossils to trick people into not believing in him. I just got a bit worried you were saying the opposite! My fault of course. I like the position you have adopted, but have wondered why biblical literalism wins out over progressive theology. Why must most religions outwardly claim to be so rigid when we all know that every religion is actually very fluid in its core values/doctrines, fudging them when an idea becomes just too ridiculous.

Basically, the alternative is God just made it seem like the universe is old to trick intelligent people into going to Hell.

I trust the evidence God has given in His universe (i.e. physics, biology, any branch of science) more than the conjecture man has given in Genesis.