I would say I'm Christian, but one of those ecumenical/universalist types who digs Buddha and Lao Tzu, Alan Watts, or even new age types like Marianne Williamson. I'm not big on finding how wrong every other type of belief is, and wishing fire and brimstone rain upon everyone else who isn't exactly like me. I don't think God wants to kill homosexuals - and isn't all that keen on destroying people in general either. I think God isn't against science, that he/she thinks men and women are equal, that nobody is a master race, and that buggering altar boys is nothing worth defending. And kind of think half of the Bible is primitive, militaristic, patriarchal, xenophobic nonsense. I think simple kindness actually goes a long way, and is the highest ideal (yet I'm pretty pissed off and militant against those who would snivel at that).
And yet I still say I'm Christian. Go figure. It's sad that I feel I have to hide it at times.. or even have to explain that some Christians also believe that Love is the answer. Everything is so muddied these days, where my beliefs are equated with a lot of evil..not love..and I resent Christians who are responsible for it and made life a living hell for others. And I've heard many sermons where sentiments like mine are all that's wrong with the world..that my thoughts are too "syncretic".. that being open and friendly is actually the wrong thing.. that I'll probably have to answer to God for not being totally down with everything the church says, and even given to ridiculing a lot of it. So be it. I think I'm right, and happy to answer to God about it all. How it was all the right call to not be woefully dismissive of intellectual matters and science, how one gender shouldn't overpower others, how young children shouldn't be sodomized, how I never should equate patriotism with religion, how I should cherish anyone, no matter if Buddhist or Atheist or Hindu or whatever, if they worked for a better world. Yeah, what I'm saying is all so bad, isn't it? I am going to enjoy the hell I'm destined for...if that's where I'm going.
I read an article recently where Anne Rice just walked from the church for the same reasons (but yet, she's still a believer). I like her. I've spoken to her a few times actually.. She's almost undoubtedly INFP, right? Maybe IFPs are all kind of like this.. a little universal and inclusive on our take on religion, even if we believe in some traditional things as well. I just think it's too simplistic to answer: I'm Christian. Because apparently, I'm really not. Most Christians would laugh at what I'm saying, and atheists would probably just tell me to give it up already. I don't like either approach.