I certainly agree with respecting reason and proper judgment. Unfortunately, public opinion doesn't always follow those things. It can (to use your words) often be "inaccurate, unfair, misleading, etc."

What "grates" on me is not that people choose to exercise their freedom of will or conscience. I have no problem with that. What gets me is when people expect people of faith to not be people of faith.

I believe God exists. And I believe the Bible is a reliable record of God's revelation to humanity. Therefore, I take the Bible seriously. And I understand others feel the same about their own religious texts. And in a pluralistic society, this should be expected.

Yes, can we all discuss these things and challenge these things? Sure. But let's not be surprised or "outraged" when people of faith actually take their faith seriously.

As for atheists and agnostics "distrusted" and in the minority in America... those numbers are changing rapidly. Atheists and agnostics will probably have to wait another generation (maybe two) and that will all be very different. If trends continue, Christians will be in the decided minority before this century is out.

But in some parts of the world... Christians are already in the minority. And...

Globally, Christians are the most hated and persecuted religious group in the world. It's not even close.

:-(