Why Christians Are Viewed Poorly

Why are Christians and specifically conservative Christians viewed
poorly by society in general and secular scientists in particular?
Let's look at a stereotype for a moment, namely conservative
Christians are not interested in the truth. We know that this is
untrue but how do we undo this misperception?

Janice and I have been arguing about something that is at best off
topic and at worst of no import. But, we can learn something important
by looking at how the argument degenerated. This will give us a clue
why we are not viewed well. I want to make this to be not about Janice
or me but rather about the structure of the argument used today. Thus,
I would like to depersonalize this and replace Janice and me with a
secular scientist who though an unbeliever tries to be scrupulous in
being honest and a conservative Christian who wants to represent
Christianity in its best possible light. Let's also change the
argument a bit. Let's say we are arguing about the belief that
conservative Christians block scientific progress. The conservative
Christian doesn't want to block science and wants to refute this bum
accusation. If this argument proceeded like it did between Janice and
me it might look something like this:

Secular Scientist: I don't want to indict specific Christians but I
have seen a tendency amongst them to block science. I see all this ID
and YEC all around me being supported by conservative Christians. Yet,
I don't want to falsely accuse individuals by giving specific
examples.

Conservative Christian: You must provide names and dates because you
are being too vague. When have you seen Christians actually blocking
science? Just because people believe ID and YEC doesn't mean they are
blocking science. That's why you need to be more specific. As you say,
you don't want to falsely accuse people.

SS: Fair enough. Here's an example...

CC: Didn't you just say it was WRONG to give a specific example?

SS: (Spit takes his coffee) Didn't you just say I MUST give a specific
example? Please leave.

The secular scientist returns to his office convinced that the
stereotype that Christians are not interested in the truth is true. If
giving an example was indeed wrong why would a Christian who claims to
value righteousness lead him into sin? If it is not wrong, why did the
Christian ask him a no-win, complex question? He mutters to himself,
"Bah, stupid Christians. Why did I give them the time of day anyway?"
Received on Sat May 20 20:53:26 2006