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Kuo says: The problem is that Christians have been so invested in evangelizing politics that they have politicized their religion, and they've bought into an us-and-them mentality
An us-and-them mentality is the very essence of religion. Exactly why it is such a divisive force throughout world history. Inclusiveness is not religion's strong suit. Oh sure, religions will pitch a big tent, but to stay in the tent you have to believe, you have to join the "us" and renounce the "them." Thus, the outsiders become less valid, less worthy, and less deserving in the eyes of the faithful (except insofar as their conversion potential). It is only a matter of degree compared to the dehumanization of enemies that has been used throughout history to polarize warring groups. And to many fundamentalists, it is indeed carried to the same extremes.
