Now that's the Brad I have grown to expect

Glad I haven't disapointed

I sure that the 34,000 figure involves groups such as Phelps’. The larger Christian church does not support their views.

Despite the numbers, your statement above is nothing more than an Argumentum ad populum, a popular falacy commonly invoked in such situations. It doesn't prove that their interpretation and understanding is any more right or wrong than yours, just that it's different.

Regardess of the falacy though, I'll even take it one step further for you, and say that the majority of humans on this planet would most likely oppose their views and more importantly, their actions. It doesn't change the fact however that their source of inspiration is wide open for different interpretations, from mild to extreme, as you have already, although unwittingly, acknowledged

I don't see anyone here supporting Phelps, instead the Christians present are condemning his blatant misrepresentation of the Bible.

Of course not.. they [Phelps and his followers] are whack jobs and I don't think anyone in their right mind would support their actions, regardless of their religious affiliation or lack thereof. My point however was that from an outside viewpoint, interpretation can and does vary from one extreme to the other, and everybody claims that theirs is 'the one'. I guess we both agree, having said yourself:

Often different groups indeed think they have the only key to the faith and all who don't agree are damnned.

(Ouch, there's that nasty punishment thing again )

FYI, mainstream, Orthodox, Protestant Christianity does not focus on Hell and damnation. Rather on Grace and forgiveness.

You can focus on whatever side of a dichotomy that you like, but it doesn't change the fact that it's still a dichotomy. Focus on the 'reward' is just another implementation of "You can catch more flys with honey than vinegar".

One tenent of your example, the protestant church, is: " By faith in Jesus Christ we receive God's gift of eternal salvation..."

What happens if you don't believe? You can focus on the reward all you like, but it doesn't remove the punishment should you fail. As you have already noticed, "all who don't agree are damnned", seems to be a fairly common theme as well, regardless of focus.

Look, I think we all agree that Phelps and his gang are whack jobs and what they are doing is disgusting. There is a certain amount of respect that we must all have for others, and they seem to have none, regardless of their motivation. The rest of this thread seems to have wandered into the philosophical, which really isn't appropriate given the forum, but I'd be happy to continue off line if you feel the need

Cheers,
Brad

To be old and wise, you must first be young and stupid.