Let's talk about Sects.
Now that I have your attention, let's really talk about sects, that is groups of people who come together based (initially) on a shared core belief. These groups are comprised of fallible, at times selfish, and even cruel human beings. These individuals seek to be better people themselves and generally improve the world in which they live.
Occasionally they screw up, more than occasionally they screw up in rather big ways.
Stupid things are said, careless actions cause hurt.
Who is to blame?
I offer that it is the individuals who spoke or acted wrongly that carry the blame, sounds reasonable no?
So why is it that when a self procliamed man of God says or does something stupid it is not he but the belief that is attacked? When the belief, and the founder of that belief teaches nothing more than love for ones fellow (hu)man, personal accountability and forgiveness.
Such attacks are irrational and not aimed where they should be.
The molesting priest, and the persons who chose to move him around rather than defrock him or press legal charges, is to blame for his actions, not Mary.
The insult slinging college evangelist is to blame for his venomous words, not Paul.
The anti-gay funeral protesting extreemist group is to blame for thier lack of love and expressions of hate, not God.
The one who spoke coldly to you and refused you common human compassion when you needed it is to blame... not Jesus.
Thank you.