As you also mention: “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others” (Matthew 6:9). It was Jesus’ exposing the hypocrites that eventually got him crucified (similar to our day?).

Current Christian leaders are acting much like the Pharisees he criticized. This is why I have come to say, if Jesus were to return today, they would be the first to crucify him.

Disclaimer: when I comment on Christianity, I am not doing so as an expert. Being an expert requires dedication of one’s entire career. I have a divinity degree, but my studies were aimed at becoming a better psychiatrist, in which they helped enormously.

Faith enhances knowledge (or allows the humility that one cannot know everything, which is crucial to being properly scientific), and knowledge enhances faith (the Bible reads like a psychological treatise but is wiser, describing also ultimate psychological health).

I also studied and practiced Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Taoism, and Atheism before arriving at Catholicism. Returning to my native “language” of Christianity has allowed me to go deeper, while newly adopting Catholicism has allowed for discovery.

Religion can turn people off because it gives excuse and cover for the worst human motives and the greatest atrocities of humankind. These are abuses. At essence, I believe it offers something crucial for the soul (personal spirituality included) and emotional health.