Damn, what did they do to you in the Bible belt, my dear Behoove? :) As an atheist it is easy to empathize with your frustrations. Here's my experience on the subject: it is hard to change any minds when atheism is presented as the right to the wrong of religion. It's like selling ice to an Eskimo - such a feat is plausible more in the classroom rather than the actual marketplace, no matter how convincing an argument one can make. However, when atheism is presented as a choice that delves deeper, and maybe even transcends the vastness of religion, it often becomes a lot more appealing.

Just my thoughts.