Organized Religion

[Ocelot]

If that is the logic that you're using to describe organized religion, then it would be no different from anything else. Car enthusiasm, frats, colleges, philosophy, scientology,... everything. People, in general, require themselves to have social influences and community in order to maintain themselves as a civilized people. Tracing people all the way back into history, mankind has always followed the same communal patterns of socialized groups. Evolutionists would also agree, studying the behavioral patterns of primates.

So if you see organized religions as utilizing the herd mentality, then yes, you are correct but again, it's not different from all other things.

Quick question: What would be considered disorganized or unorganized religion?

i can agree with this except the car enthusiast groups. some of you guys think the hondas and VW's with a rusted out hood and clean painted body is attractive. I say EFF that.

[trini_gsr]

If that is the logic that you're using to describe organized religion, then it would be no different from anything else. Car enthusiasm, frats, colleges, philosophy, scientology,... everything. People, in general, require themselves to have social influences and community in order to maintain themselves as a civilized people. Tracing people all the way back into history, mankind has always followed the same communal patterns of socialized groups. Evolutionists would also agree, studying the behavioral patterns of primates.

So if you see organized religions as utilizing the herd mentality, then yes, you are correct but again, it's not different from all other things.

i wouldn't say religion *utilizes* the herd mentality - bc that too is unfortunately human nature and one of the drawbacks up large socialized groups with centralized leadership. most ppl will find it easier to listen to the charismatic leader and leave the thinking to them.

i'd say instead that any organization taking advantage of this is abusing their power/influence. it's not unique to religion at all, i agree with you. but religion is what the OP is talking about in this topic. and SOME religions do abuse their authority, encourage the herd mentality, and discourage free-thinkers.

from a Christian standpoint...I'd say a good church would be one that teaches the basic bible concepts, encourages members to read the Bible for themselves and gives them guidance on how to approach advanced topics once they get the basics down by providing a good support system with experienced elders or whatever. the goal should be to help ppl develop that personal relationship with God and go wherever it takes them, even if it is away from that church, but always be there for support if ppl need it. there are churches like that out there...but they are in the minority.

Quick question: What would be considered disorganized or unorganized religion?

the term religion implies organization. religions are organizations that put a framework on spirituality by describing it via a fixed set of rules/regulations/observances/etc. there's really no such thing as an "unorganized" religion, the terms don't match