[Paul’s] conception of God was significantly more complex than just “some guy in the sky” — and I think the vast majority of Christians understand this.

Even if it’s true, somehow it makes no significant difference in real-life scenarios, i.e. behavior of vast majority of said Christians.

The common atheist dismissal of God and religion as a childish pastime pursued by stupid people is neither true nor helpful…

I guess, I’m an atheist then :D I, too, facepalm at pursuing the god of religions. On the other hand, gnostics had this idea that god of religions is Demiurge, i.e. creator god/force that forgot that it’s created, too. Hindus have similar concept — Brahma (not to be confused with Brahman). Hm.

Anyway, know that I’m not disagreeing with you, I just say that there is one more “level of knowledge”. There the real change happens:

Once Lord Rama asked Lord Hanuman, “How do you see me?”

And Lord Hanuman replied, “When I see myself as a body, then I see myself as your faithful servant. When I see myself as the soul, I see myself as a part of you. And when I see myself as Absolute, you and I, my Lord, are one and the same.”