I will try to summarize here, because I could write many pages on this subject. From one point of view, the ultra-conservative theocratic one, the main stream clergy and their allied politicians and pundits "condone" (I loathe that word)certain hotbutton issues. These include, of course, equal treatment/citizenship rights for GLBT citizens; the ever popular anti abortion issue; and now the stem cell research issue. All of these issues are fantastic emotional triggers to convince the flock to send in lots of money to support the ministries, political machines and politicians of the conservative persuasion. What turns moderate people off towards Christianity are the extreme measures that are advocated by the folks on the conservative side. Meantime, the so-called mainstream (your definition of "lukewarm"?) christian sects allow for equality for GLBT folks; sometimes a differing view of abortion; and an open mind about stem cell research. (There are other issues that mainstreamers and conservatives concern themselves over, but these are the strongest issues these days.) The mainstreamers and progressives also find these to be cash cow issues to frighten their flock into emptying their wallets in order to counter the evil right wingnuts. Well, what is happening more often is that people are starting to see that neither side advocates for things that are really important to most people. Some folks are waking up to what they see as the flocks being fleeced. People are worried about poverty, violence, warfare, disease, etc. Few of these things are being addressed. People are getting tired of folks like Fred Phelps, James Dobson, etc calling the shots as to what "good christians" should be concerned about. The compassionate, sincere folks are looking for issues that Jesus was concerned about to be addressed. Would Jesus worry about political correctness? (left or right PC) Did he address flag burning? Did Jesus advocate multi-national corporate power? Did Jesus think that declaring war was a super idea? Was Jesus a homophobe? etc. etc. The mainstreamers aren't yet doing a good job with addressing these issues. Fair-minded, good folks want to help others and not hurt others. Fair minded people understand the dangers of theocratic government and placing roadblocks in the way of fair treatment and citizenship of ALL citizens. The "lukewarm" clergy, pundits and politicians seem to be afraid to stand up for what really matters. The hot-button issues are dictating the discussion. This is wrong. This is the POV of an ex-christian and currently a Buddhist convert. Thank you for considering these opinions. swabby