I think its more a reflection of the death of civil society. As an example, politicians have stripped any sense of morality from religion and instead use it as a cudgel for their own purposes, I think that rubs off on weak minded people.

There is also a phenomena that people of high moral conviction can sometimes come across as abrasive due to their insistence, and people of no moral conviction can come across as nice because they have no standards to hold a conversational partner to; not saying thats what you are experiencing, but in religion and in fiction the most depraved are often depicted as offering great rewards, in the bible lucifer corrupted the world with the promise of the forbidden fruit (or sex, or knowledge depending on your interpretation).

I prefer civility and empathy in dealing with people, I find it promotes feelings of confidence and prevents insecurity on my part, I know I am treating others the way I prefer to be treated, and it has generally proved to be a more effective means of communication.

No, I don't see that as a core of Christianity. A fundamental truth of Christianity is that we are a damned people and cannot escape judgement except through Jesus. There's no "way" to be a good person.