The other day I met one of Alan's clients from Unity Church, and she made the comment that she wasn't an actual member of that church. She said she's just not an "organized religion person". She said to me, "You know as well as I do that organized religion is just another business". I have kicked myself since then because, not wanting to get into a discussion with her, I simply said, "You're right". But I don't believe that at all.
So, two questions for you.
First, what is your definition of "organized religion"?
Second, what would you have said to the comment above?
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Grace is the acceptance of that which is rejected. ~Paul Tillich
I think I know what she means. I don't know. Here is my view and thoughts. Correct me if I have misinterpret the discussion.
At don't get involved officially at my church. I don't want to be a part of the board, I don't want to go to a church meeting, I don't want to offically be in a committee. Why? There is just too many rules, by-laws, infighting, and politics to deal with. I prefer to work behind the scenes, work unofficially and just volunteer without being in a committee. I prefer to just get in, and get out without meetings, discussions and rulings. I've been to one of my church meetings and it gets out of hand. I've seen the board attacked by some of the congregation. I've seen the defend themselves to no end. There is always one person or a few making such a big deal over something so small trying to sway decisions their way. I see committee's having endless discussions about how things should be done and end the meeting with not decision. Everything is organized, decided upon on, voted on, and its all politics, politics, politics. At times some discussions are business related like all that taxes and IRS where tax exempt church stuff is concerned.
I don't know if that lady meant "organized religion" in this fashion, but that's how I see it. I don't want to be a part of the board, committee or go to church meetings. I just want to go to church, worship, do some volunteer work and go home.
That's my point of view.
Steve
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Lamentation 3:24 The Lord is all I have, and so in him I put my hope.
Hi Steve!! How's life on the edge? (With your sky diving & motorcycle riding...)
You haven't misinterpretted the point, but let me ask you something. I assume you go to church for the worship & fellowship, right? Correct me if I'm wrong! Without all those committees & boards, and boring meetings, how would any of that other stuff happen? (Not challenging you, just trying to understand what you mean.)
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Grace is the acceptance of that which is rejected. ~Paul Tillich
Organized religion is, to me, just denominations with their doctrines. I like to think as Christianity as being centered on a relationship with Christ than just boards and committees debating over whether to use hymns or praise music in a service.
God is more concerned about the praises that come from our hearts than which denomination that we "church" with.
"Organized religion" generally refers to an organization of people supporting the exercise of some religion with a prescribed set of beliefs, often taking the form of a legal entity.
I guess someone needs to run the boards, committee's and stuff. Someone needs to be able to put forth order during a heated church meeting and someone has to make hard decisions. I don't envy those people at all. I've seen first hand how hard these decisions are and I've seen them blamed as if it was all their doing. I suppose there is organized religion because of the few people that make things so hard at church. In my experience, its usually a few people making mountains out of mole hills and suddenly meetings are called, the board is forced to make hard decisions, etc. I just don't want to be a part of that aspect of church, but I will never contribute to the hardships that these people have to deal with all the time.
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Lamentation 3:24 The Lord is all I have, and so in him I put my hope.
I believe our church is both organized and not organized. We are non-denominational with no backing or committees. The pastor pays the bills from tithes and two jobs. (One for household expenses and a second for the church.) He and I are the carpenters, lanscapers, electricians, janitors and cleaning crew. We do not vote on anything. If it needs to get done or be bought, fixed or sold we do it. We are unorganized in reference to committees, guidelines, doctrines, denominational views and much of what the mainstream preachers rely on and are restricted by. We are organized as the pastor and I take care of everything and have a doctrine straight from the word of God in Christ. Saved by grace throught faith that is balanced with good works. The Son of God is the only way to God; or in his light we shall see Light.
