My ancestors, who lived under the control of people who called themselves Christians but held them in cruel bondage, would completely understand where you are coming from. Nonetheless, their song about it still applies: "Ev'rbody talkin' 'bout Heaven ain't going there." That is to say that most of the people we meet that call themselves Christians actually aren't ... good estimates suggest about 90 percent aren't, and so that would also mean that 90 percent of church folks and churches AREN'T. Most people following Europeanized Christianity are following European materialism and hypocrisy and greed in churchy garb. So, I understand why the name Christian stinks in your eyes and many others.

However, the great mistake you are making in understanding true Christianity is overlooking Christ entirely -- pretty much the same mistake the 90 percent are making. "I don't need to pay attention to the work of Christ in regards to dealing with my own sinful ways -- my works are good enough so I can do things the way I want" is what those who have hurt you are saying but also the exact same thing you are answering back. But any true Christian will tell you: the key matter of Christianity is whether you have trusted Christ's work on the cross as sufficient payment in God's sight for your sins, and that His resurrection is sufficient for your righteous standing with God. Anyone who has truly come to those terms with their own sinfulness and run to Christ for salvation is not doing good work out of greed for the future, but out of humble gratitude to God for what He has already done in Christ -- to a point, future reward is a minor issue! "BECAUSE You have ALREADY been gracious, kind, and loving toward me, Lord, I can by Your strength show that same grace, kindness, and love to others, as You command me, day by day" -- that is the true Christian stance.

I am just a minnow. But I am a Christian. Let me go check out this @hope.venezuela project, and pass on the blessing...