I am an atheist who is inspired by Jesus. I’m very sympathetic to Christians who follow His teachings and hostile to those who spread hatred and violence in His name. I can think of no better teachings than love one another, feed the hungry, and heal the sick. The Sermon on the Mount and the parable of the Good Samaritan are important lessons for believers and unbelievers alike.

It’s my contention that the hostile, hateful “Christians” (sic) are damaging Christianity for the true believers. It’s the hostile Christians who have decimated church membership. It’s the hostile Christians who are doing terrible damage to Jesus Good Name.

I don’t think overall the atheists have much influence at all. But it’s the loudest members of every group that gets the attention and has the influence. Among Christians, it’s the bigots, judgmental controlling ideologues, gun worshippers. Among atheists is those attacking religion instead of simply not believing in it.

I think that there a huge number of genuine Christians and kind atheists. We’re just too quiet to see each other. This needs to change.