Even up until the last part of this century, Greek-inspired rationalists (mu'tazila) argued against puritanical literalists (ahl-al-hadith) and strict constructionists (usulis).
Human beings don't live by argumentation, and it's only religious fundamentalists and ignorant rationalists who think the myths we live by are literal truths.
Ms Warner is also illuminating on the apparent gullibility of some 19th-century scientists and rationalists, such as the members of the British and American societies for psychical research.
We must all strive to keep communications open, so that we can work toward resolving our differences: Tea Party to the New York Dems, Divine Revelation Believers to Super Rationalists, we can all stand to listen.