Thanks for raising some very valid points Kristen.  My frustration is that the opinions that get most of the attention out there do not fairly or accurately represnt the overwhelming majority of the Christian Faith community.  However, noone wants to read about how well everyone is getting along.  What's newsworthy about that?

The other qualifying comment that I would make is that there is a difference between Christian commentary and "Right-wing" commentary, although admittedly the lines are often blurred.  The rhetoric about President Obama's "Socialist Indoctrination" of our children did not start in Christian pulpits.  It began with conservative commentators like Limbaugh &amp; Hannity.  Unfortunately for us, they have a lot of power to influence the "lunatic fringe" in conservative politics and religion, and their rubbish inevitably impacts mainstream society.

As a sincere believer, I can confidently attest that my faith is founded on the principles of grace, mercy, compassion, and confidence in God through Jesus Christ.  I also believe that I am a far more representative example of the majority than the "clanging cymbals" on TV, radio, and the blogosphere.