Christian Doctrine Does Not Hinder Scientific Discovery

As I've been surfing around Debate.org, I've come to realize that a popular notion is pervasive among the atheistic community on this site. Many atheists believe that Christianity hinders scientific discovery. Granted, this notion has become popular thanks to our education in schools, and by television and the media. For instance, who hasn't heard the story of Galileo vs. the Church? We all know it was Galileo that proved the sun was the center of the solar system and not the Earth. He proved this despite the fact that the Catholic Church believed the contrary. And thus, the battle between religion and Science was born. Of course, through the proverbial interpretation of that story, science is given much more credence then the evil, draconian, dogmatic Catholic Church. Right? Remember, Galileo was on the cusp of something new. He was using science to prove how the universe worked, rather, then relying on some dusty old book that only the Catholic Clergy were permitted to read. Atheists love tis story. Its the way of science sticking it to the "dogmatic" beliefs of the Bible. It's examples like this, which compel Atheists to believe that the believer should dismiss religion as wishful, faith-based thinking. As a Christian, I'm not so willing to derive the same conclusion that an atheist mite. Of course, I believe the sun is at the center of the solar system and not the earth. But, that's not the point. In Galileo’s case and like most other cases of "Science vs. the Church," ignorance has reared its ugly head on the Churches behalf. But, that is not because Christianity teaches "anti-scientism" it is because church clergy were playing politics. The Bible has never taught against exploring God's creation in logical ways. As a Christian I believe the scientific method is a great thing. It can truly help us understand God's creation in sound ways. I believe science is extremely important in helping us discover things in Biology, Astronomy, Chemistry, Psychology, Physics etc... I don't know any Christians who simply dismiss brute facts. If God has created this universe with scientific laws then everyone ought to acknowledge them. Moreover I'm confused why atheists believe that religion hinders scientific discovery. One may argue that Evolution is a sound theory; yet, a lot of Christians don't accept it. Yes, that’s true. But if a Christian has a scientific complaint with evolution (and there are several) then isn't that proper grounds for rejecting evolution? Of course. Don't scientists want to encourage academic discussion in order to come to the truth? Whether evolution is true or not is not the point. The point is that God wants his people to figure out how his creation works. So Christians are just as compelled as Atheists to be lead by the facts of science. Therefore, if the fats of science lead to The Theory of Evolution then everyone should believe it. And there are Christians who believe in evolution. If a Christian believes in evolution it does not make him a heretic. Moreover, this is not a debate on whether evolution is true or not. This is a debate on whether or not Christianity teaches its followers to dismiss scientific facts. I would say it does not. Moreover, the notion that Christians are ignorance of science is simply not true. Christianity does not teach to dismiss scientific facts. Rather, it teaches to embrace them and marvel at the God's sophistication. Christians and Atheists alike should believe what the empirical evidence has to offer. And if science is done in a honest, reasonable way then everyone should believe its results, whether ones a Christian or an Atheist. I look forward to my opponent’s response.