Just to clarify, I'm not ashamed of the word "Christian" and I proudly claim it along with millions of heroes of the faith over the centuries. I simply never lead with it to describe myself - and that has opened doors into spiritual conversations that I don't think I'd have had if I had described myself as a Christian right off the bat. 

An interesting read on this is the book "Unchristian" by David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons. Outside the 4 walls of the church (and perhaps even within), Christianity has a major image problem in North America. Only 15% of unchurched aged 16-25 has a positive view of the word "Christian". Only 3% has a positive view of the word "Evangelical" and most commonly mistake the term to mean an intolerant, politically active conservative. It's lost any meaning connection to Jesus. These words have been soured by politics, extremism, judgementalism, homophobia, legalism, and intolerance. But I find that people are still attracted to Jesus.

Kristin: I'll join you with tagging that line, which appears to be gaining adherence.