Compelling article, but for these "1200 people" who left Christianity, there are still over 2 billion people in the world who identify in some way with Christianity.

There are still roughly 350,000 Christian or Christian-related congregations in America.

Critics of Christianity put a LOT of focus on those who leave Christianity or "deconstruct" their faith, but what of those who still remain faithful?

Do their stories matter? or do they only matter to the extent they are to be criticized for remaining true to Christianity?

I ask that not so much to you personally, Dan (though you're free to answer) but to all critics of Christianity.

I believe in religious freedom and the freedom of conscience. If people choose not to be Christian, that's up to them. I leave the matter between them and God. But I reject the implication in so many pieces here on Medium that are critical of Christianity that those who remain faithful to Christianity are either directly or indirectly complicit with all the sins and shortcomings of the Christian community as if other communities have no sin or shortcomings.

Speaking for myself...

I'm a Bible-believing Christian. And I've never (to my knowledge and certainly not intentionally) abused anyone or mistreated anyone. I don't hate anyone. I strive to love everyone -- including those who don't see eye to eye with me.

But it sure gets old seeing all the anti-Christian pieces on Medium here. :-(