Here is yet another cultural data point, this time from a recent college campus lecture given by “Bill Nye, the Science Guy” in Waco, Texas:

The Emmy-winning scientist angered a few audience members when he criticized literal interpretation of the biblical verse Genesis 1:16, which reads: “God made two great lights — the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars.”

He pointed out that the sun, the “greater light,” is but one of countless stars and that the “lesser light” is the moon, which really is not a light at all, rather a reflector of light.

A number of audience members left the room at that point, visibly angered by what some perceived as irreverence.

“We believe in a God!” exclaimed one woman as she left the room with three young children.

Usual disclaimer: I don’t necessarily agree with Bill Nye’s other views, such as his position on global warming.

(Via Cynical-C.)