In early Christianity leaders used fear aggressively,kept the followers tightly in grips. Women were seen as possessions,and were not to speak. The church leaders held all authority and were not questioned. As fear wained and people started to think the church leaders had to evolve the religious dogma to match the times.
We have seen Churches involve women,we have seen them change what hell is,and we also have seen change in how much easier it is to get into heaven. Churches have become less hard lined and soften their stance on social issues. we have even seen openly gay ministers and gay marriage performed.
If church leaders had not evolved would religions as they are today still exist? We see other religions gaining followers because of their hard-line stance,treatment of women and strict adherence to religious dogma. Muslims as an example are gaining followers,while the softening Christian stance is moving followers to less traditional ways of obtaining enlightenment.
Has the evolving Christianity put an end to organized religion and opened up the more personal relationship followers have with their God? Is the lack of fear no longer holding believers to dogma? It seems in hard line strict dogma of other religions keeps the followers in line and keeps the religion alive and well,while others seem to be dying as they evolve.