Tell me whether I should buy a compact car or a minivan. Tell me whether I should take this doctor's advise or that doctor's advise. Tell me whether I should invest in the stock market or pull my money out before it crashes. Tell me what I should say to my kids about sex and violence. Just tell me what to do, preacher, that's what we pay you for.
People love a religion which offers to control their every action.
People are worn down, worn out, shell- shocked, and they are willing to trade freedom for security. People love a religion which tells them exactly what clothes to wear, and how to cut their hair, and who to vote for, and who to be friends with and who to hate. Churches which offer to control people's lives are packed this morning. And churches which expect people to prayerfully study the scriptures and think for themselves well, those churches have been declining for thirty years. People prefer prison.