Something I've often wondered is why fanatical Christians -- you all know the ones I mean (usually right wing as well) -- base their belief so much more in the Old Testament than in the New. They seem to be excessively judgmental, usually support whatever war their country is fighting, tend to be condemnatory of those who are not like themselves (homosexuals, liberal thinkers, unmarried mothers, etc.), intolerant to the nth degree, and into vengeance, smiting and retribution.

Where are the gentle teachings of Jesus in the spoutings of these folk? Where is the compassion, love, tolerance and kindness that Christ preached?

I'm not a Christian, nor religious at all. But I was raised with it, and know that "Judge not lest ye yourself be judged," is good doctrine. The Golden Rule is good doctrine: in fact, it encompasses enough that all other rules could be tossed.

But all I ever hear from rabid rightwing Christians is punishment, hellfire and damnation, and that they get to decide who is a sinner.

Some Christianity that is!