The "love thy neighbor" value simply wasn't taken to heart in a deep and abiding way by many in my church that I crossed paths with.

I think this is quite true of many churches and religion in general... in my opinion they ALL very often do not practice what they preach and in addition to that, create such enormous divide.

I personally think we're locked in a really bad era right now, and I believe it will get better.

Agreed and I share your long term optimism despite this world not making that very easy.

Thank you for such a beautiful and insightful response - I am glad this spoke to you xxx