The term "christian" is interesting in its use here.
For example, I am a christian but I do not go to church or have my name on
any memberships of any kind. I spend some time studying the teachings of Christ and try and work out what he
meant and how to apply it to modern life.
I read Paul's letters and the old testament as well (yes even all the contraversial parts) and try to understand what I am to learn from this.
How much is literal and applicable to today and how much is not.
I consider things like abortion, gay marriage, other religions etc and try and align that to the teachnigs of Christ - the deeper teachings that it - to try and understand how to assimilate these issues (and others) into my world view and value system.
At no point do I carry banners, march, judge or condescend.
But then I know that I would for things like child abuse - but would I for capital punishment?
And if I would do it for child abuse - then what is driving my value system?
In medievil times it is reported that some European kings liked the "company" of young boys - if I was alive at that time would I have protested? What is driving my values now - and how do I know I am right and not just "seasonal"? Which values are ALWAYS right regardless of date and time and who decides this?
So when the word "christian" is thrown around with contempt I know that is aimed at the institutionailsed members and radicals but also - I suppose - at anyone who believes in invisible fairies :)