The writings of many these days seem to include an almost a vitriolic campaign against anything traditional or institutional when it comes to church. Many in cyberspace write profusely on the topic often rejecting the idea that anything good has come from the traditional version of church. I just read this statement from a leader that I admire much:"Some say they don't like "organized religion" but the alternative is disorganized religion - that is, a personal, private, individual religion. It lacks accountability, mutual encouragement, stretcher-bearers, the input and insights of others and perhaps most powerfully, the power of multiple people working together to do Christ's work in the world. Ten people can do more, working together, than any one of them can do, even than ten of them will do, when working alone without coordination."Did you catch the idea that personal faith, when divorced from cooperative efforts, is simply disorganized religion? I so agree with the benefits of organization - we all need each other so much. Yet I also understand that many ... I mean so very many ... have not experienced the benefits of organized religion. Instead of benefits many have experienced the dark side of religion and cannot imagine being a part of a church again. The issue is so complex. I am a part of a church that embraces the best of organized religion but sometimes I want to retreat to my brand of disorganized religion. How about you?
... originally posted 4 years ago today
I am pretty much DONE with "organized" religion. My wife insists on finding a church. So, after leaving five years of trying to breathe life into a dying organization, we're back church-shopping again. I'd love to find a place to gather with like-minded people and live in community. But, it seems to be an impossible dream. Nexus was great. But, because of the financial burden of a full time pastor, it was killing me. And, because we couldn't get enough progressives to join us, my girls always felt alone there.
ReplyDeleteI sometimes think that "organized" religion is simply a way to bring people together for a common worship experience. Yesterday I had a worshipful experience with a group of inmates at a state prison because a group "organized" it. That said, I do resonate with what you are saying. It is hard to find a community of believers that resonate with us on a heart and head level.
DeleteYou are right, Bob, when you say that "organized religion" is a complex issue, and one that may ever be fully resolved, at least not easily. There are so many out there who have emotional scars that go deep, because of what we call "organized religion". Actually, the term "organized" is one I would determine to be a word that depicts a positive description of a church that orders itself according to the teachings of Christ; particularly in relation to His two primary commands; to love God with ALL you heart...., and to love your neighbor as yourself. That to me is God's organization, not man's. Man has made it "disorganized", by God's standards. He desires us to do ALL things in order. I am with you, I would rather be part of something that is upside down to what the world sees in our churches: hypocrisy, judgmentalism, and the sniping that seems so prevalent. I would rather see at least an effort to understand each other better and more compassion. It just goes to show who we really are without Christ, doesn't it?
ReplyDelete"an effort to understand each other better and more compassion"
DeleteI could not have said it better Vicki!
I haven't been to church in years, but now I work at one and its been very enlightening being behind the scenes. Its a domination with lots of structure, but wow, the hearts of the people (pastor, elders, deacons) are beautiful and loving. Its been an eye-opener. They do a lot for the community! This was a good post, Bob.
ReplyDeleteThanks Barbara! So glad that you are able to be a part of that community.
DeleteAs always, food for thought, Bob. :)
ReplyDeleteI would love to be part of a loving Christian community again, but I don't know if or when that will happen. I guess I was spoiled by the Charismatic Catholic community I was on the fringe of during my college years in the 70s. So I find community where I can, through Christian friends online and off. Yet with many people, transparency seems to be an open invitation to being judged harshly and dismissed as a lesser human being or even a non-believer. I am glad you've found a good Christian community, Bob, even if they give you heartburn sometimes. It gives me a glimmer of hope that perhaps someday I'll find that again.
Blessings to you and Ann!
"Yet with many people, transparency seems to be an open invitation to being judged harshly and dismissed as a lesser human being or even a non-believer."
DeleteI think that this must break the heart of God crownring.
I think one of the dangers for an organization is it can forget its original purposes and start to exist to perpetuate and exalt the organization itself. I am convinced organization is a good servant but a poor master.
ReplyDelete"organization is a good servant but a poor master"
DeleteWell said Mike!
"disorganized religion" i suppose i can live with ... And at times i think it is needed to keep me sane but not a chaotic and directionless religion
ReplyDelete"not a chaotic and directionless religion"
DeleteGood point Paul. Organization does not insure against that.
I grew up going to church but the word of God was never spoken in our house. My husband was raised Catholic and felt pressured by his father to go so he hasn't been since he graduated H.S. I finally started to go to a church about 16 years ago and loved it. Loved the friendships I made, bible study and woman's retreats. Then when we moved almost ten years ago I stopped going after a few years of driving there from our new home. I still have those friendships through Facebook which I love. I have tried several new churches over the years and just didn't find anything like the one I belonged to. Anyway I feel that my relationship with God is very strong and I talk with Him daily. Going to a church for Sunday service is great but I don't feel bad not going because my faith is very strong on my own.
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful sentiments Debby. Ann and I were in that place until we moved to downtown KC 6 years ago. I think that life is filled with so many different seasons for us. Thanks so much for sharing with us.
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