Thanks for such a thoughtful response georgjespersen, yes you are right the underlying differences in our beliefs will always drive a wedge, it is inevitable however in my country in particular and within the culture of my particular area it certainly seems that Christians are automatically shunned whilst tolerance is implied towards any other belief system by most and in particular the far left seem to tolerate anything and everything else bar Christianity which just seems contradictory to me, although I am aware that contradictions can be present in any school of thought including Christianity. Just venting my observations and frustrations really and ultimately hopeful that I can remain at peace with my friends with different viewpoints to my own as there are many things that we do share in common and many things that I both value and respect about my non Christian friends.