I have always thought the idol to these kind of believers was the Bible. Not the teaching within. The actual book above the teachings. Not as a tool to learn how to live but as a sword and shield used to justify their hate.
Madness string 93204
Once you believe someone has magical powers, you start to fear them, and question their good intentions. Thus, no matter how good a geek's intention, it'll seem like evil black magic to prosecutors and juries.