It is one thing to be in a cultural war, another to do things to exacerbate it in unnecessary ways--and be proud of it in the process. I believe Scripture says our war is NOT against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces. That battle is the one we are in, without unduly alienating those we hope and pray will embrace the gospel. Our key goal is to encourage people to come to faith. Martin Luther was responsible, not only for the Reformation but for an anti-Semitism that reflected a poisoned European attitude toward Jews. Nor is it clear that Athanasius's cause, though just and doctrianally sound, was of a biblical standard in terms of tone and approach that calls for us to love our neighbor and pray for our enemies (I believe Jesus said that--and He is the truth).

dlb