Pam has a post up about the revolting Faith in the White House DVD that was released last election cycle as a “counter” to Fahrenheit 9/11. I’ve seen the video and it’s got Turd Blossom’s fingerprints all over it. Pure propaganda for the sheeple.

But it reminds me of my attitude toward most of the people passing themselves off as “Christian” these days. As a lifelong atheist I’ve got no problem with them. I just wish more of them would act like it sometimes. I’ve got no problem with God either; it’s just that most of his fan club is a little nutty.

Here’s my theory on what I call “hypoChristians”: the more you have to proclaim that you are (or are not) something, the more I believe that you are not (or are) what you claim (or deny). When I see a guy carrying a Bible everywhere or wearing a gaudy iconic ancient Roman torture device (crucifix) around his neck on a chain, or spouting “praise Jesus” or “Lord willing” or “Almighty God” in every other sentence, I can’t wait to snoop in his closet and find his awesome porn collection.

In my opinion, the best (and I’d argue “truest”) Christians are what I call “stealth Christians”. They don’t have ΙΧΘΥΣ fishes on their car bumpers. They don’t make constant reference to Jesus, Bible, or church. They might be wearing a tiny little inexpensive cross on a necklace, but it’s probably below their undershirt.

But they are the nicest, kindest, most generous people you could ever hope to know. They show their Christianity through their deeds and would be embarrassed to display it like some sort of badge of holiness. They don’t bring up their faith in public, but will gladly talk about it if asked. They win converts not by recruiting people into the cool kids’ God club, but rather because people see their fulfilling lives, cheerful attitude, and helpful nature and think, “gosh I wish my life was like that.”

You know, like Jimmy Carter.

Another funny thing is that I explain this theory to some Christians and they’ll say, “you’re absolutely right; there are so many false Christians” and not even realize I’m talking about them and their sticker on the back of their SUV of the Calvin cartoon kneeling before a cross. I’ll point this out and they’ll protest. “You just hate Christians,” they’ll claim, “and want to remove all Christian influence from the public sphere. Why should we have to hide who we are? Why shouldn’t we proclaim our love of Jesus with bumper stickers, fish magnets, or crucifix necklaces?”

You know, they do have a point. I should be more accepting of people who don’t believe the way I do. People who have different lifestyles should be embraced. I shouldn’t be treating them differently just because they are Christian. Diversity of thought and opinion is a good thing. And if people say or do things I don’t agree with, that’s OK too, as long as they aren’t harming anyone else in the process.

I hope they can remember that argument the next time they claim gays are always trying to “shove their agenda down our throats” and “force everyone to accept their lifestyle”.