Only 'war' on Christianity is between its 'tolerant' vs. 'intolerant' sides

Editor:

As 95 percent of Americans consider themselves Christians, it would seem that they must be warring with themselves. Only 2 percent of Americans consider themselves atheists. Such a minority seems completely un-formidable to the vast Christian majority. Point being: Christians are at war with themselves, not secularists.

Throughout time, Christians have constantly warred over various differing philosophies. Baptism, Methodism, Mormonism, and Presbyterianism were all born from differences among Christians. The singular thing that has always connected all Christian denominations is persecution. Every Christian believes that he or she is being persecuted with every breath taken. Such a belief is written into Christian dogma and is displayed in many stories of the Bible. Additionally, a firm trust in all leaders is also a generally ascribed quality of all Christians. Hence, these are the two greatest strengths and weaknesses of Christianity.

Men like the Rev. Jerry Falwell take it upon themselves to tell other Christians how and why they are being persecuted in the modern world. Others, such as Sean Hanitty, take it upon themselves to propagate their version of black and white Christianity for others to follow. Men like these have now convinced America that Christianity is under attack.

Saying "Happy Holidays," a way of being inclusive of all holidays of all religions, is now an attack on Christianity. Believing that "The Passion of the Christ" was anti-Semitic, as it was, makes you the anti-Christ. Such things do not constitute a war on Christianity. What is constituted, however, is a war within Christianity itself: between tolerant and intolerant Christians.

Issues like homosexuality and the separation of church and state are literally tearing Christianity apart. The United Church of Christ's new TV commercials are evidence of such. Liberal and conservative Christians of tolerance and neo-conservative Christians of intolerance are at war. One of these two factions will eventually win. Hopefully, the church itself won't be destroyed in the process.

Alex Thurmond

Grovetown