The Folly of Organised Religion; Money, Sex and Mind Control
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I do not consider myself to be religious but I enjoy a most intimate relationship with God. I personally have been the member of several churches. Perhaps curiosity got the better of me or maybe it was my search for the truth or true church. Sadly, my quest only served to open my eyes to the "Christian Crisis", the inconsistencies of Christianity and the folly of religion as a whole. http://www.adherents.com/Religions_By_Adherents.html states that there are over 4,300 religions in the world today. That number I am sure is growing as new churches and religious trains of thought are still being introduced.
Often it's been all about money, filling the coffers of greedy pastors, affording them luxurious lifestyles. You know the ones; they drive the fancy cars and wear the expensive Armani suits. You know the type. Many are excellent orators; these well rehearsed "men of God" are passionate in their delivery, able to quote bible texts, sing, speak in tongues and stir souls into spiritual frenzies. Then there are the million dollar buildings; places of worship with the ostentatious stained glass and grandiose structures which church members pay for, through their generous gifts and tithing. Indeed, Jesus was a captivating speaker; he knew the scripture and had a knack for metaphorical language and analogies. Yet, I am certain that Jesus is hanging his head in shame at the excesses of religious leaders today (claiming to be like Jesus whilst living a life of extravagance). Sure some money is channeled into outreach programs like soup kitchens and youth programs, to name just two, but most of it goes into vanity; the vanity of greedy preachers and pastors.
Does it not all get confusing? Everyone supposedly reads the same bible or holy book yet every church or religious institution has its own rules and regulations or statutes. I have met women in the past who could not wear makeup, wear trousers or cut their hair because it was not permissible by their church. I even have a friend who insisted that certain intimacies between a husband and wife were not "in conformity" with her church's standards. Just do a little research on cults and the power of mind control. Remember Pastor Jim Jones of Jonestown and David Koresh, self proclaimed final prophet and leader of the Branch Davidian sect from Waco, Texas. Even the notorious Charles Manson committed gross acts in the name of God. This is some scary business! The key here is that they all claim to be the true church. Being Christian is an action. Jesus never had to announce his religious affiliation. It was in the way he walked, his manner of speech and in his living the word of God. That is why people were drawn to him; he was charismatic and the love he preached was evident in his very presence. That today, one can stand on a pulpit, as a representative of Christ and the Christian faith, and preach intolerance, cultish theology whilst living a life of excess, simply blows my mind and enrages me. Moreso, that one even slightly versed in the bible and biblical laws of conduct would fall prey to such a person's wiles.
Oftentimes, church leaders control their flock based on some biased theology. So much of it is not really biblical. Some churches allow their members to observe holy days as Easter, Christmas, Divali and celebrate birthdays and anniversaries, while others don't. Some don't permit blood transfusions, eating certain meats and fish. I don't understand how the churches that use the Bible as their guide book have such different beliefs. Actually, it makes little sense to me. Then there are so many churches that preach exclusivity. It's either you are in or you are out with those institutions. No seriously, being in with those "elite institutions" ensures admittance into the pearly gates. Since they preach that they are the only true church, if you are not a member, you most probably are on your way to damnation and eternal separation from God. Again, did Jesus not accept just about everyone? What ever happened to, "Judge not, that ye be not judged"?
Don't even get me started about the atrocities committed throughout human existence, all in the name of religion! How many wars have been fought, lives lost, all in the name of God. Visit http://listverse.com/2008/04/02/8-atrocities-committed-in-the-name-of-religion/. There are religious fraternities that sanction hate and hate crimes based on biases as color of skin, sexual orientation or race; religious fanaticism abounds. Sadly to say, some religious groups actually encourage the bashing of those who do not conform to their specific tenets.
I don't think that God's intent was ever to confuse man. If the bible is the inspired word of God, and I am well able to read and understand, then I really do not need any woman or man wiht a doctoral degree to interpret or explain anything to me. Most of it is pretty basic.
So instead of going into some random church building where the faithful would attempt to educate me on how I should live and gain everlasting life, I am going to stay by my lonesome, cradling the bible in my arms and praying that if God truly exists, that he or she, would soon bring an end to this religious dilemma. I know that God hears and answers prayer. I believe in the infinite greatness and awesome wonder of creation. Evolution or Creation? I don't really have a clue. I guess it's all a matter of faith-belief in the unseen and unknown. I choose to believe. My personal relationship with God supersedes my every passion, desire or human relationship. I love all persons, respect every man's beliefs and I attempt to live a life that's acceptable in God's eyes. I do not deny my human imperfection or my natural inclination to sin, but I live as morally sound a life as humanly possible. Anything more is pride, anything less is below par.
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I fully agree with you! I will take your advice and read "The Aboriginal Creative Spirit".
Thanks for sharing!
You have written a really good, thought provoking hub here. I see religion as a way of controlling the masses with fear. So I am not religious, however I am spiritual and try to live spiritually. I think the idea of God has got lost in false interpretations and resulted in greed. Too many wars, deaths, hate and prejudice have come in the name of religion. However I am an optimist and believe that one day man will see the real truth behind the pages of all bibles.
It is simply delightful to have someone see my point of view on this delicate subject. It makes me sick, the atrocities throughout history done in the name of religion. I too am an optimist and await the revelation of the real truth. Thanks for sharing.
You sure make alot of good points. Interesting Hub !
The dilemma in Christianity has always been who you congregate with. We as a people are told not to forsake gathering together, to build each other up. At the same time it's a persons one on one relationship with GOD that determines their destiny.
And it is this personal relationship that matters the most. We only have to look at the number of gross acts performed through the course of history all in the name of religion/God. I also believe that many pastors and church groups are the most corrupt of all. It is no wonder that so many people choose not to congregate or gather together. As you said, it is that one on one relationship that REALLY MATTERS !! That my friend, I can do at home !!
Fundamentalists and cults of all kind scare me to death! They are so dangerous--not only because they begin early to implant their extremist doctrines into the impressionable minds of young children to promote continuance of their beliefs, but because their often warped beliefs make them willing to engage in all sorts of atrocities in the name of their religion.
And the leaders of these churches/cults often are very charismatic people, orators, with the ability to sway the beliefs and emotions of those people who are easily "followers" because they do not think and probe for the truth themselves. These followers are often gullible because they are searching for something outside themselves to make them feel better in this world, and such "leaders" take advantage of that--often for their own greedy (or mad) agendas.
A couple of years ago, I read a book about the atrocities that occurred in the so-called Christian Crusades waged by Catholic popes against Muslims in Jerusaleum from the eleventh through the fifteenth century. These campaigns--named Christian, but actually military--began what has escalated over the centuries into such animosity between the Christian and Islamic religions. There's no way I can believe that there is any justification, particularly religious, for "boiling in oil" and other tortures of enemies that were the norm during the Crusades.
So much of the horror that has occurred in this world...so much of the war...so many atrocities against mankind...all in the name of religion. Is it any wonder I've eschewed organized religion, as have many people today? I believe, like you, that I am spiritual, but will never again be involved in the corruption (from mild to extreme) that often goes on in structured churches.
Jaye
Hello, Michele,
Thank you very much for publishing this important and informative hub.
This post certainly did touch me because I am one who believes very deeply in God, and His Son, Jesus, while not believing in organized religion.
Hi Feenix !!
Great to hear from you and so happy that you got the central theme of the hub. I know that some may be offended but organised religion seems to be moving further away from all that Jesus preached about. I guess that all in all, a relationship with God is personal. Being a church member simply will not guarantee anything!
Thanks for stopping by my friend.
- 8 Atrocities Committed in the Name of Religion
Top 10 Lists: Throughout history religion has been used as an excuse, or driving force, for some of the worst atrocities imaginable. From pre-history to modern history, religion is, for many people, just an excuse to kill other people. This list high
Valoric Fire 13 months ago
Interesting Hub. So much of the real truth has to be individualistic and concerning religion, must make sense to the person who intends to believe the blind dogma. If you rely on outside interpretation you will end up with a hodgepodge of human frailty, dubious historical accounts and utter confusion. This is where organized religion fails and becomes another tool of mass social control and human programming based on fear.
If you have not, I would strongly suggest reading the most drastic interpretation and extremely logical historical account of the Bible not based on religious mass herd group mentality but on an individual personal relationship, with what the author calls "The Aboriginal Creative Spirit". Anything by the Valorian Society via Sovereign Press. The authors remained anonymous and essentially underground considering their ideas are not the typical sound bytes for the status quo. Very difficult read but well worth it if you are looking outside the box for answers tradition does not provide.