I think elevating him to Chuck Norris status is decidedly harmful to the propagation of our cause.

Oh, dear. Elevating EY to Chuck Norris status is hilarious and, I would argue, shows "our cause" in good light.

Maybe elevating EY to the divinely-inspired-prophet (PBUH) status would be harmful, but I haven't seen anyone do that.

I can't explain rationality to others and keep a straight face

I don't see any need to keep a straight face. I don't know if I am typical, but I don't respond well to things explained to me with a terribly serious expression (well, as long as they don't involve things like staunching bleeding from open wounds and such).