Man, do you read what people say? I never once addressed the monetary compensation that preachers and ministers get. They are generally poorly paid. So are most local politicans and yet there are people waiting in line drooling for those jobs. What I did bring up is power and also said that many use that power for good. There is no denying Scott that when you place yourself up as a spiritual leader to a group of people, that you gain influence and power over them.

I also clearly said that I possess the ability to be that person but my own personal ethics would prevent me from living the lie. I choose to use my acting abilities for entertainment, not screwing with people's heads. It certainly is not a stretch though to think that there are others with similar talents that could cross that line with no remorse.

I know a few religious leaders and they certainly do not believe their work to be a thankless job. They are wildly enthusiastic about their chosen profession despite the drawbacks. It's the same with my wife as a teacher. She abhors the politics and the poor pay but loves the influence she has over the children.

If you saw some sort of disparagement from my post of people that choose to be religious leaders, you read it wrong. I think the vast majority probably do it for honorable reasons even though I question the actual faith of some. However, there are power mongers and abusers in every profession and the church is not exempt. Those people I hold in absolute contempt as I would in any walk of life.

Art