I dunno. Maybe it's because I have a theology degree, but I've heard lots of candid talk from clergy of all faiths. The clergy are more than willing to talk with those who understand the nuances and are willing to listen. Many people want a once-a-week feelgood session and easy answers to complex issues, and don't want to be bothered with being challenged by their religion.
We have 1,500 families in our Catholic parish. I'd say that we have several hundred people who are willing to ask questions and think their own thoughts, and they're truly impressive people. Then we have a vast majority of normal people who are good folks, but not moral or mental giants. Then we have a small number of people who are bound up in superstition, prejudice, and moral rigidity - unfortunately, those are the people that outsiders notice and refer to as "believers."
Give us religious people a break, hey? We're not the mindless robots some people seem to think we are.
-Joe Offer-