This is so wrong... It's not the way Christians should be taking at all! Threatening? Saying God will abandon you? What a complete bs these people were saying. God's love is selfless. I'm a Christian (which now is probably obvious) and I agree with Your conclusion. I think I understand why You left the Church, You felt overwhelmed by the toxicity of these lies. And I sure as hell have no right or knowledge to tell You that You made a bad choice. We're seeking God, the truth in our own way. I believe in Christanity where people tolerate this and even help others to find that truth, not necessarily by converting to 'the one true religion'. That's the biggest mistake people make in my opinion. They create divisions over something non-existing or insignificant like religion's name. Who said only Christians/Jews or whatever other group has the right to go to heaven. Definitely not God.
Concluding, I think that's the attitude we should all practice, regardless of faith.
I agree, it has taken a lot to unlearn some of that divisive mentality....I am glad I can accept and love all people now,without prejudice....Blessings my friend!!