4 things...

[lostinmiddlemormonism]

Reading Stuck's post about what bothers him the most and I realized that there are four traits that every organized religion share:

1. There is some form of hierarchy, some are more developed then others (Mormon or Catholic church vs a local non-denominational for example).
2. You, as a general member, are at the bottom of that hierarchy.
3. The top individual(s) in the hierarchy insert themselves between the general member and deity. They are the ones that determine what the deity wants, needs, intends, or requires.
4. Deity demands that you pay those in the hierarchy. This can be in money, property, stock options, or sex depending on the hierarchy and the particular deity.


I have yet to find an organized religion that does not share these 4 traits.

-lost

[Hagoth]

2 things...

That should trigger your internal RUN AWAY alarm.

1. We know what God wants you to do/believe.

2. God needs money.

[Angel]

I have yet to find an organized religion that does not share these 4 traits.

-lost

This is why I prefer "disorganized" religions what I actually prefer is walks in nature on Sundays.

Any group of people seems some organization structure, for management, groups go through things like
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuckman%2 ... evelopment

Forming
Storming
Norming
Performing ← the cool stage where there is no more hierarchy, but difficult to achieve.

I do like America's "by the people for the people" idea rather than "for the King, by the King". Majority / Mob rule

favorite quote for those finding themselves, and finding their new tribe: "When you follow the crowd you lose yourself, but when you follow your soul you will lose the crowd. Eventually your soul tribe will appear, but do not fear the process of solitude."

[stuck]

Reading Stuck's post about what bothers him the most and I realized that there are four traits that every organized religion share:

1. There is some form of hierarchy, some are more developed then others (Mormon or Catholic church vs a local non-denominational for example).
2. You, as a general member, are at the bottom of that hierarchy.
3. The top individual(s) in the hierarchy insert themselves between the general member and deity. They are the ones that determine what the deity wants, needs, intends, or requires.
4. Deity demands that you pay those in the hierarchy. This can be in money, property, stock options, or sex depending on the hierarchy and the particular deity.


I have yet to find an organized religion that does not share these 4 traits.

-lost

This was actually Red Ryder's post but I kind of hijacked it. Sorry Red. I guess I just wanted to share what I learned about Pompeii that was interesting and tie it into your post.

[Red Ryder]

This was actually Red Ryder's post but I kind of hijacked it. Sorry Red. I guess I just wanted to share what I learned about Pompeii that was interesting and tie it into your post.

No worries. It was your response that enhanced my brainless complaint about JS.

Lost - i particularly love #3 and #4. My faith crisis started when I learned new information that was purposely hidden to make the narrative more faith promoting. I struggled with the concept of feeling deceived. Perhaps wit was my fault for not knowing the history of my own church. Perhaps I was a lazy learner like the majority of Mormon members are.

It wasn’t until I recognized the pattern of the 4 things you mentioned that I realized all religions were a scam and designed to control the masses. That’s when I was able to intellectually disassociate with the Mormon church and all religion. The crazy part is this pattern of 4 things can also be found outside of religion. Politics, corporations, etc.

3. The top individual(s) in the hierarchy insert themselves between the general member and deity. They are the ones that determine what the deity wants, needs, intends, or requires.
4. Deity demands that you pay those in the hierarchy. This can be in money, property, stock options, or sex depending on the hierarchy and the particular deity.


I have yet to find an organized religion that does not share these 4 traits.

-lost

Excellent post.