In this case, we frequently discover that the source of the hostility is the priest's unwillingness to condone certain behaviors that we desire to engage in, but which are contrary to the teachings of that specific religious structure.
However, when it comes to providing for the needs of the many above the needs of the individual, liberalism isn't always the solution, especially when it comes to moral or social concerns that are central to that religion or tradition:
Many people think they have the freedom to break the rules without censorship and yet be a part of a formal religious gathering in these enlightened days of free speech and political correctness.
Many people view the Roman Catholic Church's position on birth control to be antiquated and unworkable, yet a "faithful" Roman Catholic is obligated to follow the instruction without inquiry.
We can't seek the right to be classified as a loyal member of the establishment while maintaining the ability to spread beliefs opposed to the Church's teaching authority.
One is either a "Roman" Catholic or a "dissenting" Catholic, and those who break the norms on birth control are dissidents.
Similarly, the Dalai Lama is sometimes petitioned to openly condone homosexuality due of Buddhism's liberal looks in Western eyes, but as he recently emphasized in an interview, "I am a Buddhist, and a connection between two males is inappropriate for a Buddhist." It's ok with me if two men truly love one other but aren't religious.'
There is no moral judgement here, but the message is clear: homosexuality has no place within the authentic Buddhist faith's teachings. In truth, the Dalai Lama's attitude on abortion, homosexuality, and marriage is quite similar to that of Pope Francis. If a daughter marries outside of the religion, it is fairly unusual for the family to conduct shiveh (a seven-day customary mourning period) in orthodox Judaism.
Again, on the surface, this looks barbarous in the twenty-first century, but a person's 'Jewishness' is established by the mother's blood line, not inclination, and religious rules nonetheless protect racial purity.
A recent story of a rector refusing to baptize children of unmarried couples because they are "living in sin" illustrates how a priest might take a personal moral stance. While every child residing in a Church of England parish has the basic right to be baptized, parochial church councils can set their own regulations, according to a spokeswoman. Although it is rare for a priest to decline to baptize a child, the vicar had the last word, claiming that he was following church and Bible doctrine. Church members, not the priesthood, might be the source of rejection. The baptism of surrogate twins fathered by a lesbian couple, which was the first in church history, was criticized by parishioners who thought it was "morally wrong."
The vicar defended his choice to perform the service, saying, "The Church makes no discrimination between parents." We baptize the children of single parents and cohabiting couples. It is not the responsibility of others to punish or exclude any youngster.'
In such circumstances, rather of believing in God, people may reject the priesthood and religion.
The exterior trappings of the priesthood are visible here, but the individual wearing the garment is not. Those who wear it are considered as different; as having to follow a different (or unsympathetic) code of conduct – or as being no better than they are. Instead of acknowledging that people in the priesthood are on their own spiritual journeys, they are frequently just as imperfect, doubting, and human as those who reject them, the entire concept of "them against us" comes into play.
Because they are priests and so initiated into the ‘secrets' of their specific religion, rather than having made the step of entire dedication to that faith, the clergy is also viewed as possessing the answers. They're typically still figuring out how to bring their inner spirituality out into the world.
Any religion's conceptual (and usually acrimonious) division between laity and priests may be a repeating element in the seeker's journey for truth.
You may also want to read more about Spirituality and Healing here.
Be sure to check out my writings on Religion here.
