Oh my dear chap. The answer is so simple. Mankind has evolved as the most ruthless and intelligent predator and will adapt any circumstance, idealogy, theology, opportunity to ensure survival. Christianity is no different from any other profound truth. It has been twisted, subverted, profained and degraded out of all recognition to further the predatory power instinct. As an atheist I am constantly drawn to the Sermon the Mount. You can dispense with all the rest. In those few words are enshrined a blueprint for compassionate co-existence and it doesn't matter a hoot to me whether they were uttered by a visiting deity or a mere mortal - the wisdom defies corruption. I only hope there is no such thing as eternal life. Oblivion I can cope with but eternity terrifies me. Live and love, and die in peace. Expose the cruel hypocrisies by example.