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in the sense that on a personal level we should try to be consistent with our rational I agree

Of course I meant that sense of 'should'. Like in that West Wing piece: quote OT outside the context to support your opinion, have OT quoted on you to make it ridiculous. (not you you, of course )

On historical context

That's another thing that does not ring true to me in many mythologies, here the Christian one in particular: the absolute being, the Creator, after waiting patiently for millenia, chooses one day one group (tribe/nation/whatever) or one particular person to announce them how the things actually stand, and to use them as a vehicle for spreading the Truth. Why then, why them, why at all? Fits nicely in 'godless' explanations of source of religions (generaly attempt to explain the world or to find hope, siezed by a group, usually those in power, as a useful tool of control). Sorry for trivializing, but I hope you get what I am trying to say.

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I’d have never assumed you were being disrespectful. People often say this to me, and I’ve never understood why. It’s not offensive to expect me to answer questions about my faith. The bible commands in 1 Peter that I be prepared to do so. It is sad to me that Christians have earned the reputation of not being willing to discuss their beliefs openly, for that is pretty much one of our primary purposes on this earth: to reveal God and our beliefs about Him. I’m actually thrilled to answer any questions I can because it gives me that chance.

I understand and appreciate that. (I mean, I understand why you are willing to discuss your religion; why is that required of you, why God uses proxies to reveal Himself, is less clear, although you already tried to explain that ) However, I never know if and when I am crossing the line and appearing to mock something that is the most basic belief to the person I discuss with.