The typical human vices that get in the way of every common endeavour have not been good for Christianity...if Christianity is taken to mean "what Jesus taught". If, on the other hand, you are referring to the historic activities of the bureaucratic institutions called "churches", then I would have to fairly much agree. They have been responsible for a lot of very harmful things. They have also been responsible for a number of good things. Sorting it all out and arriving at a single conclusion now would be almost impossible, unless one was blinded by prejudice, in which case it would be easy.

On the whole, though, I prefer the Native American religion, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism. I have some trouble relating to all three of the Judeo-Christian religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam) that arose in the Middle East. They have a guilt-ridden and severe patriarchal streak in them that I really don't like. They tend to be very militant and warlike as well.

I don't particularly think of Jesus as a Christian! :-) I think Christianity was something that others launched later in his name.

I have no problems with the actual teachings he gave (or which were reputed to have been given by him, if you prefer). Those same teachings are found at the heart of virtually all religions...and that suggests to me that the message does not change...only the messenger.

- LH