[Harry Rex Vonner]

for the record i believe in God and Jesus i just don't think people from churches have open minds. they are intolerant of other religions and other viewpoints philosopically and politically

I don't entirely disagree with your position. While I don't believe that one must, or should, give credibility to political philosophies which are clearly in conflict with that persons long held beliefs, I agree that too many alleged Christians who seem to think that their church (denomination) has all the correct answers and that the others are wrong. That is arrogant on their part.

Personally, I believe Christianity would be far more effective with less emphasis on being "good" Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, Episcopalians, etc. and more emphasis on following the teachings of Christ. From what I can ascertain, neither Christ nor his disciples were tied to any of those denominations.

Over and over, the Bible emphasizes sacrificing and helping the needy. I have never seen ski trips for the youth group or family life centers (ie: gymnasiums) or shopping trips for the "seniors" mentioned in the Scriptures. I believe these overly organized and exclusive churches tell much about themselves when they head out on a bus for a youth or senior trip and ignore all the poverty and need they pass on the way to the beach, ski slopes, or shopping centers.