yes, perhaps I overstated a bit. lets say many hundreds instead. as for the criteria, I consider someone worthy of being called a Christian if he or she makes an honest and sincere effort to live a Christ-like life. very few people I've ever met do that.

and in my opinion, it doesn't always take a significant depth of knowledge of a person to see if they are truly attempting to follow the teachings of Christ. Any time you hear any sort of hate coming from their mouths, you know they aren't truly Christian. a perfect example of this is the Phelps group, who spew hate every time they make a public appearance.

Israel and New York. I"m sure anywhere else the population is still under 1% of the 14 million globally.

I wouldn't think it's hateful to not stock a large amount of Jewish religious, Hanukkah stuff if there isn't a market for it. You don't see Hollywood putting out Christmas movies in June.

But if you see it as hateful to Jews, then add it to the list of complaints. It certainly is your right to object.

This thread reminded me how funny I find religion and religious discussion. The humor is mostly a defense mechanism so I don't jump off the nearest tall building when it comes up, but I can still find it funny.

Wow. I didn't realize the article, and my comment could cause such a stir. While I realize that Christmas is a Christian Holiday, it has become so incredibly commercialized, and not about Christ, that I find it silly that this group of people will not shop at Kohl's (for example) because they say, "Happy Holidays!"

Another irritation of mine is Christians that believe that God loves everyone, but continue to persecute anyone unlike themselves.

No, I don't put all Christians in this small group of people that I've shown in the article. I'm just pretty recently removed from going to church myself. (As a matter of fact, I think I'm still a "member") I know a few good people who really honestly try to be Christ-like. But I was also raised in a church that was/is continually full of hate towards not only the outside world, but even themselves! I cannot find much honesty and real love within the walls of Christianity. That's my first reason for being separated from it. The second is that I just can't make logical sense of it.
Overall, with this articlethe point I was trying to make (and someone made for me) is that I hate to be associated with narrow mindedness.

As this is America it is their right to protest those they do not agree with. Calling them narrow minded may be viewed as a compliment. If you read the text they are to set themselves apart. Perhaps more people of Christian faith should follow their doctrine. Imagine how much better the world would be if Christians would really act like Christ and serve others.

The differences are what makes America such a terrific place to live.

You're right. When I think about it, someone that is a part of a religion that they honestly belong to, they should commit to it with everything they have. I don't necessarily agree with it, but too each their own. Kudos to them, for supporting their cause, as long as they still are able to show compassion and love towards others.