Religious leaders would would do well to remember the old adage "You catch more flies with honey than vinegar."

People prefer positive reinforcement to negative. That's why you train a dog with treats and praise instead of only scolding it when it does what you don't want it to do. instead of threatening damnation if they don't convert, offer guidance and love, not blind hate to "nonbelievers."

I can sum up my argument quite well by the comments I've heard about the new Pope. People from all walks of life are adoring him because they're seeing a more positive, all-encompassing message of love and acceptance. He's not going super-gaudy with his throne or robes, he says the Catholic church needs to advance with the times, etc. Because he's more open-minded and positive, I've heard nary a bad thing said about him.

No stones in heaven? Now, how am I going to stone somebody?