Who Should Adapt To Whom?
This article from Suzanne. The crux of this article is, do you find yourself trying to adjust the teachings of Jesus (as conveyed by the church) towards what makes you more comfortable, or are you willing to consider that you should adjust yourself towards what Jesus would want? I agree with Laura.
Church is Not Only Good Mother, But Good Teacher
And women (not men!) who do not conform should be stoned to death. My point is there is a lot of baggage in the bible based on the culture of the time. Both Amy and Laura have good points. There are moral absolutes but there are also a lot of things that are fuzzier.
The Church has changed slowly over time. That is a very good thing, because the slowness maintains consistency during social upheaval. But it also changes which is important if it is going to stay relevant and improve. I don't doubt that the slowness of change will disappoint Amy, but Laura needs to be realistic.
I don't know exactly why so many leave the Church, but it probably has less to do with the rigidness of the Church and more with the attitude than some would argue. People expect and accept a solid message, but it is how that is conveyed that matters. The Church can be firm without sending people on guilt trips for every indiscretion. The Church can choose to accept the imperfect (everyone) or pretend that a few can meet impossible standards.
re: "The Church can choose to accept the imperfect "
They do accept them. And many of them they call priests.