Jesus told us to reject selfish desires and worldiness
I merely suggested that the clergy ought to be practicing what they preach.
Just so you understand, stanz, the Church of Christ was never, ever meant to be 'attractive' in the context you desire it to be.
Just so you understand, if the Catholic church wants to be in existence in the millenium to come, it had better consider its appeal to future worshippers. This doesn't mean that Jesus is left out of the equation. Rather, it means that more time should be spent conveying Jesus's teachings rather than defending the wayward lifestyles of many members of the clergy who have disgraced themselves, victimized young people, and demoralized the church.
You seek to fullfil the desires of your pride and ego by finding "equality" in the Church, rather than in humble submission to lawful Church authority and in prayer.
The crux of the whole problem stems from the "lawful church authority" which has forsaken the faithful in order to protect its own. Where's the humility in that?
Christ didn't appeal to too many folks when He was on the Cross.
Why should the Church, His Body on Earth, "appeal" any more than He?
You don't seem to get it: the Truth is the Truth, no more, no less. The problem that the Truth has in this world is that it's only a candle compared to the lights of Vegas, or D.C., or Hollywood--or money, dames, you-name-it.
But the Church cannot possibly be MORE than the Truth, that little candle, or that bleeding hulk, dying.
What do YOU consider Life to be?
Chesterton says it better--see my FR home page.
This was not lawful authority, but the usurpation of authority by sinful perverts and their enablers. As for their lack of humility, I do not base my faith, or my humility on how well others practice theirs. That's just a huge copout.