Originally posted by Pam
There are people who are an embarrassment to their religion and they come in all shapes, sizes and religions. Right now we have a murder trial going on here in NJ for a rabbi accused of hiring a hit man to kill his wife. Sometimes we look to those in leadership positions as somehow a little holier than everyone else and we are shocked when they behave badly. We are all human and, as such, have the ability to sin. I am sure the majority of the ministers, priests and rabbis out there are deeply committed to what they believe and are living moral lives and just trying to serve God. It's always the bad people that make it to the news. I am not Catholic but am a Christian. Christians of all denominations must never forget that they are not worshipping a doctrine or an ideology but rather Jesus Christ. I may not agree with everything that is said from Christian pulpits but would never stop going to church because the Lord tells us that is where we can go to build each other up and to learn and grow and share. If I was in a church I didn't care for I would just leave and find another. My two cents too.
Exactly my thoughts! I've always had trouble with anyone idolizing a pastor/priest/rabbi, etc. They are no better than you or I, yet they are constantly seen as holy...they aren't, only Jesus and God are.

As far as leaving a faith because of other people, I really don't agree with. My mom always makes the comment "And they are supposed to be CHRISTIANS (insert venomous tone here)" Um...please show me the church that you can attend and suddenly become perfect....I want to go there! I am not advocating judging in people at churches, it is so completely wrong, only God can judge, but to leave a faith because of that...this is unnecessary, you are the one that losses in the end. There are so many wonderful churches out there.

OK, I'm done. I'll get off my soapbox now.