That said, the varieties of christianity and their resemblance to 5" fairies is widely disparate. (I know I mentioned Deists as one possibly more rational variation). I don't want to fall into the trap of overgeneralizing about anything.
My points here are really pretty specifically related to people who clearly display extra-ordinary ability in one area, and are defamed because they hold interest or beliefs in another area that's only vaguely related.
If you were being more general, then I apologize for my snarky posts. Of course the irony has already been pointed out, seeing as I condescended on your perceived condescension. Humility has never been my strong suit ;) Something about the programmers virtues.. now wait.. who talked about those
The "greatness" of an invention isn't defined by the invention itself or even the inventor's state of mind, it's defined by how people react to it. That's what Wall meant when he talked about "designing a culture". Truly great inventions become that way because they draw people in; they're inclusive, and let people achieve all sorts of things that the original inventor may never have dreamed of.
I don't begrudge anyone their own personal beliefs. But say, perhaps, Larry had mentioned that he drew his inspiration from a 5" fairy who was constantly sitting on his shoulder. Would it not give you some pause, and amazment that an otherwise articulate and intelligent man, would have such a strange belief. However interesting or charming that may be, that's how I feel when I hear about taking enduring Christian beliefs well into adulthood.