Christianity associated with hatred, intolerance

Leonard Pitts' column (Aug. 8) on author Anne Rice's decision to “quit Christianity” yet remain committed to Christ really resonated with me. Many people, including myself, feel it “impossible to belong to this quarrelsome, hostile, disputatious and deservedly infamous group.” I too, agree that “Christ didn't fail me, Christianity did.”

My belief in Christ is as committed and firm as it ever was, but I want no part of organized religion. I cannot call myself a “Christian” because it instantly associates me with hatred, intolerance and the likes of Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson. Things have gotten out of His hands and into the hands of man, and wow, have we really screwed it up.

Mother Teresa said “If you judge people, you have no time to love them.” So I ask now, where, exactly, is the love now?

It left organized religion a long time ago.

Michelle Sharp

Cedar Rapids