So today, while I was at church...

[C0FFINCASE]

It's just an advanced form of manipulative control. Nowadays, it preys on people's fears in an effort to deliver morality. I honestly think many people have misconceived the true intentions of the Church (atleast the Church that existed hundreds of years ago). The Church was the uppermost form of power; in fact, via being the direct link between the people and God even had Kings kneeling, metaphorically speaking. The Church was (and still is) corrupt, there are many texts that support this view. Like any form of corrupt authorative body, it did what it had to to stay in power.

Frankly, I don't know what so many people are prepared to put their faith in Chiristianity; the old testament is shocking. It is horribly scientifically inaccurate, incredibly sexist, preaches racism, almost every form of discrimination and violence. Even if you argue the old testament is null and void, even a religion with such a horrible background should be abhored.

I agree but disagree. In the end all interaction is manipulation, even what we're doing now. When the Church rose to power it became corrupt, because there was power to be had and deals made to get it but the Church has also lost most of its power. I mean in the end it really has no power now just the respect that tradition affords it, less than half of Christians bother to go to church or really ever find out anything about their faith. The number of believers is in decline. I believe whole heatedly the original formation and message of the Church was good and that it survives in some form in the Church today. Priest and Bishops are often true and sincere in their belief and teachings. I like to think the Pope, well the last one any way, was upholding the ideals the Church is supposed to represent.
The Old Testament is far from shocking. If any thing its mundane and an accurate description of man. What in there surprises you? What in there is any different from today? Up date it and ignore the God part and its just what humans have been doing for all of our existence. There are far worse things happening today than in the Old Testament and there are religions with worse texts and worse teachings and even worse pasts.
An the Church isn't even as secretive about things as its accused of being with grand conspiracy and such, the Mormons for instance are far more secretive about everything they are, do and believe than any other faith I can think of that isn't a cult.