Trina, you've pretty much summed it up: people spread fear (and do it in the name of God in hopes of adding credibility), and it's all about greed and power. People who don't think very critically about it  either decide the message is somehow from God or assume the person spreading fear is really just trying to generously protect them. It's very possible that love is the only antidote, but sometimes I just feel too fed up for spreading love!

Meredith, "We fear what we don’t know" is exactly right. I might take that another step and add that by not knowing or understanding something, we can't control it, which is what we hate most—helplessness. "Once the unknown becomes known, it’s hard to fear it." Again, you've nailed it. Unfortunately, there is that catch 22 aspect of fear at play. Being afraid of something we don't know makes us put up walls and distance ourselves from it as much as possible. Baby steps, right? Baby steps.

Genevieve, this is a very perceptive observation: "It’s not fair at all, but these divisions exist inside of Christian communities–not outside of them. The solution, then, has to come from within." I think you're right, for the most part. But I also think people "outside" of Christian communities need to let go of their stereotypes and assumptions, and open themselves up to unexpected discoveries about people of faith, just as they open themselves up to other intellectual ideas, forms of art, cultures, etc. From my perspective, sometimes crossing that chasm seems utterly daunting if I'm not met halfway.

Steve, another book for my reading list! It's getting long—when is my sabbatical? :) Thanks, too, for taking this idea and expanding it by sharing another example, from your life. I love hearing people's stories and seeing where they fit in with my own.

Sam, I'd love to ask those people who wonder how we can let the government educate our kids how they can let the government handle national defense and safety! Or anything of importance, for that matter! Gah! Anyway, your post-speech conversation scenario between parents and kids is spot-on. Can you start taking some parenting seminars on the road? :)

Jeb, I'm glad I could save you some writing time! :) No, really, I love it when bloggers I follow are able to articulate something I've been playing around with in my head, or when they write something that helps me understand a thought that was eluding me. Although your point wasn't the one I was trying to make, it's a good one! Of course, you know I disagree with your perspective on some of it. I'm a Christian, and I'm pretty sure I don't add "guilt and fear" to your life, right? Also, while I don't agree with all Christians, I do try to put my faith first in God. If I go about it with honesty and humility, I think faith in myself and others flows out of that. But that's just me, and I know you respect that. :)

bookhouseboy, thanks for reading and letting me know you're engaged in all these ideas! The comments people have left are amazingly thoughtful and insightful, aren't they? I'm loving it.