(June 5, 2012 at 2:28 am)apophenia Wrote:
@GC:
If I'm assuming correctly, that GC lives in the United States, then there is a much simpler explanation. Because Christians in this country are an overwhelming majority, statistically speaking, any given individual that does bad, is much more likely to be a Christian than any other group. There are additional factors that likely play into it as well, but the base rate is stacked against Christians. Other factors that play into it may include the following. I've been disputed on this point, but I don't think it's unreasonable to say that there is something of a secular, liberal bias in the mainstream media. If so, religion gets an even bigger target on its back. And with our "if it bleeds, it leads" approach to news, divisive aspects, like religion, are spice that makes the story more sensational. On top of that, because a Christian who does bad is not only seen as a human failure, but as a symptom of the failure of religion to deliver its moral claims, real or not, highlighting the religion angle in people with religion makes the story even hotter and more sensational.
I do live in the US and I agree with what you said, the reason I asked why was to see what others thought. Thanks.
God loves those who believe and those who do not and the same goes for me, you have no choice in this matter. That puts the matter of total free will to rest.