Darwin-

Interesting are your ideas on triumphalism and its

place in Christianity, as reflected in your site

domainbaron.com.  How do you suppose that religions,

beliefs, and cultures spread?  It is the very nature

of triumphalism that lends success to the spread of an

idea or belief.  You mention that Christianity would

not be a success were it not for the triumphalism of

Christians, and this is exactly so.  Triumphalism,

defined as pride in the validity of one's beliefs,

causes religions to flourish.  How did Buddhism

spread?  How did Judaism spread?  By shame?  By

embarrassment on the part of the followers?  I think

not.  Triumphalism is a necessary fiber in any idea if

it is spread successfully. 

I would agree with you that many Christians project an

arrogant pride toward their beliefs, and I believe

Christ disapproves of that.  However, to refer to

Christians as a whole is simply wrong.  There are so

many breeds of Christianity-- Catholics, Protestants,

Christian Scientists-- just to name a few, and while

we all share the belief that Christ died for our sins,

we are very diverse in our testimonies and in our

ministry to others.  To bundle the millions of

Christians in the world into a single, pejorative

category is arrogant, and you, thus, are a victim of

your own apology. You have made a statement about

religion, but you have succumbed to partake in the

very flaws you detest.

Finally, while you think you may have been lightly

burdened by Christianity, I cannot imagine anyone who

would have a "horrific" story to tell.  Christianity

is no more imposing than one wants it to be.  If

someone feels he has fallen ill as a result of being

exposed to Christianity, then he needs to think about

what really is the source of trouble in his life.  I

can attest that the trouble is not the presence of

Christianity, but rather the lack thereof.

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