Ruth Braunstein (“The world doesn’t hate Christians,” Nov. 24) ignores the persecution of Christians around the world and in Western academia. A man who grew up in the Mennonite tradition and secured a degree from a prestigious university told me that he thinks anyone who believes in God and Creation should not be allowed to teach in a high school or university. He piously proclaimed, “You are anti-science. To believe in God is superstition. We cannot allow superstition in our classrooms.” As a student and then staff for 34 years at Oregon State University, I experienced the derision of professors and colleagues for my Christian faith. 

Science is our ally as Christians. Brilliant men and women have concluded that the universe had a beginning and that the complexity in all living organisms arises only from intelligence, not random chance. The Discovery Institute has a “Scientific Dissent from Darwinism” list with over 1,000 scientists signing on because of their skepticism that the Darwinian theory of random mutation and natural selection can account for the complexity of life. Many have asked that their names not be made public, since this would be fatal to obtaining tenure or other promotions. Braunstein’s article promoted a political agenda. 

Myron Shenk, Albany, Ore. 

I agree with some of what Braunstein wrote and take issue with some of it. First, “the evangelical world” is worldwide and by no means identical with the white American “religious right.” Second, if “the world” doesn’t hate Christians, what about Jesus’ declaration in John 15:19 that the world hates his disciples? Was that only then? Perhaps Jesus’ true disciples are hated, but not all who call themselves Christians are true disciples. Third, true Christianity is an “upside-down kingdom” as described by Anabaptist theologian Donald Kraybill. What if Christians really lived the Jesus way? Wouldn’t “the world” hate us? Clearly, Braunstein has an ax to grind against a portion of the American evangelical community with whose politics she disagrees. I also disagree with them, but let’s not tar all with the same brush.

Roger E. Olson, Aurora, Colo.