Religion is only able to exist, mainly, because it provides an alternate voice to mainstream culture, and government. And as mainstream culture and most nation states increasingly embrace the ideas of social justice and welfare as normal, ( USA may be exceptional.) who is it that need an alternate voice ?

And the fortunate thing from their point of view, is that the Christian source material, the bible, is so mixed up and confusing, due to its multiple authorship, that it can be made to say almost anything you want. Which is what has kept it popular for centuries. But then you can still claim biblical authority to support the argument you invented.

The rich irony being that the bibles authority comes mainly from two supposed sources: divine inspiration or authorship perhaps, but also from the fact that is said to be part of tradition, believed in by many millions for centuries, therefore it is thought it must contain wisdom to be so popular. What is called a populist argument. Yet in fact, its popularity comes to a large extent because it is meaningless and will support any position, therefore it suits everyone. So that those who use it are in effect using the popularity of meaningless, to support their meaning !!!

Far too many Christians spout hate and have nothing to say about kindness that some associate with Jesus. However, Jesus had a harsh side, saying to slay unbelievers and renouncing ones family. The philosophy is hypocritical, fragmented in it's direction, and often simply evil. We might want Christians to be more Christ-like, within our notions of a beneficent Jesus. But really, the NT is so fucked up, we shouldn't want them either way.

Christianity is full of these kinds of hypocrisy.
Like it's easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle then for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Quote that at a rich Christian and you'll see steam come out of their ears as their brain gears redefine the meanings of each of those words.
Then there's the "prosperity" Gospel, in direct conflict with the words of the God they profess to have a relationship with.

Let's face it anyone can claim to be a Christian while they justify every damnable activity of their own as they damn good people for loving the wrong person or for struggling to make the world a better place.

Among all Republicans I get the impression Christians hate AOC more then normal Republicans.
There's no hate as bad as Christian love.

“Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”