[eweissenbach]

Interesting stuff Lou. In addition to the other reasons mentioned in the second article, explaining the loss of church affiliated people, would be what I would describe as "the emporer is wearing no clothes" theory. In the last thirty years or so there have been alarming numbers of clergy who have been involved in very un- Christianlike activities. The seemingly rampant sexual abuse among Catholic priests; the scandals with well known televangelists; the many pastors involved in sexual lliasons with parishioners, often ending in murder or attempted murder; the embezzlement or misuse of church funds; and on and on........ I think many people look at these scandals and ask themselves, "if these are people who purport to have been chosen by God to represent him on earth, how can I trust any of them to tell me the truth about faith and how to live a Godly life"? I have been a Christian my whole life, but I put little faith in the human beings that run organized religion, and rather try to follow Christ's examples of how to live a righteous life.