To me, it’s not inclusive vs exclusive, it’s private vs public and, to me, religion should be private. Further, “you” have no right to judge “me,” no matter what “you” think about what “I” believe.

Miki, you, like most people, have obviously run up against some misguided people who made you feel somehow condemned for not being like them. I think we all have had that experience at least once, and it is always distasteful, whether it is a “religious” context or a social one.

The interesting thing about that is that Christians (obviously the group you are most enraged by) are the least judgmental people I know — at least the real ones I know. The problem is that most people who claim to be Christians either are not or are “baby” Christians, who don’t understand what being a Christ-follower even means.

True leadership is inclusive more than exclusive. What you seem to feel you have experienced is an exclusive attitude, something that the real Christians I know don’t practice at all.

I have to say that the business persons who I have come across who most vocally proclaim that they are Christians have been some of the biggest frauds and cheaters I have met. Not all of them, but enough that I am always wary when I run into one. But I can also say that the most honest, forthright, and servant-hearted companies I have run into are run by Christians — they just don’t blatantly advertise it. They aren’t trying to cash in on their beliefs; they are just living them out.

I would only say that it is important to recognize the difference between those who proclaim to be something and are actually something else.

Thanks for bringing this to light, because I know you aren’t the only person who has experienced this.