How to avoid losing respect for friends

[mediamogul]

I chose to put this post in the psychology section because it refers to my feelings about friends who believe in religion and (shall we say) unproven phenomena.

Over the last four years I have increasingly found it very hard to stay friends with anyone who doesn't think scientifically, which is a problem.

I respect other view points and opinions, but all to often non scientific minds will assumes to know the answer to something without research, which I find arrogant.

Last night I learned that one of my best friends is a creationist. I was shocked and hurt that he would dismiss all the years of research and combined scrutiny that produced the evolution theory. I see him as someone who is therefore arrogant and foolish.

I preferred to see him as a great friend (which he is), rather than someone who I have lost respect for. How do I balance those two thoughts simultaneously?

How would you feel explaining to him that the reason you don't want to be his friend anymore is because you think less of him due to his religious views?

I have religious friends and family who I would never give up the relationship with simply because of their political or religious views. To me that is not enough. It may strain the relationship somewhat but if there is something there worth salvaging you guys will find a way.

Say what you feel to him and lay it all out on the table. Honesty is better than hiding what you think.