Why Disagree with Organized Religion: An Insider’s Perspective
Similar to how I disagree with using terms like Fascist or Communist as mere insults, the concept of organized religion has evolved in such a way that it is often misused and misunderstood. In the past, these terms had specific meanings, but now they can be thrown around as insults without much thought. Similarly, organized religion, while once a rich source of spiritual guidance and governance, has increasingly become a mechanism that can control and manipulate its members.
Hierarchy and Its Impact on Mission
The primary issue with organized religion lies in the maintenance of hierarchy, rather than the pursuit of mission or noble causes. When the church I once belonged to was at its peak and active for 80 years, founded on the day of the real Pearl Harbor, our focus was on fulfilling our duties and missions both at home and abroad. However, as the demographics and community changed, and the church began to fade, the support for the governing body did not decrease proportionally. It seemed that the money and efforts were going in, but not coming back out. This shift from a sense of duty to an option was particularly evident when the church was vibrant and active but became more of a struggle as it aged.
When the mission work is not being done effectively, it is no longer a matter of personal preference but of the church being on life support. The structure and governance that once existed to support noble causes became a mechanism for maintaining control and hierarchy, rather than serving the greater good.
Disagreement with Spiritual Beliefs
My disagreement with organized religion is not rooted in opposition to all forms of religious belief but is more pronounced in the context of its organized and systematic nature. Unlike personal or individual belief systems, organized religions have a significant impact on people's lives and can shape societal norms and values.
One of the main reasons for my disagreement is that organized religions fail to reflect the truth about the world. When we compare their assertions to scientific findings, the discrepancies are stark. In religious frameworks, we often encounter logical paradoxes and unreasonable explanations. The central element in many religions is faith, which allows these assertions and explanations to be accepted despite their flaws. However, the impact of this discrepancy is magnified when the belief systems and practices are systematically arranged and formally constituted, affecting millions of people.
Control and Dominance Through Religious Norms
Organized religions are particularly adept at using their beliefs and practices to control their followers. Their systematic and formal structure means that they can exert a significant influence over individuals and communities. When millions or billions of people have false beliefs, they can become ignorant of essential and important knowledge about the world. This ignorance can lead to harmful actions and a lack of critical thinking.
Conclusion
Organized religion, while providing a sense of community and structure, often fails to reflect the truth about the world. The rigid hierarchies that exist within organized religions can be more about control than the pursuit of noble missions. Therefore, it is important to critically examine and question the impact of organized religions on individuals and society.
As an insider, I have seen firsthand how the focus on maintaining hierarchy can overshadow the mission, leading to a situation where people's beliefs and practices can control and manipulate. While individuals have the right to believe what they want, the systemic nature of organized religions can have far-reaching and sometimes harmful consequences.