Bill “Papa” Lee Posted August 28, 2017 Posted August 28, 2017 I was asked the other day, or it was suggested to me that maybe "organized religion" was not a good thing. Now this concept is nothing new, it is an idea that gained a lot of followers in the 60's, when so many wanted to shed the "rules" of morality as they wished to shed rules of any kind. So I wish to do three things, share my experience with religion, the need for organization, and the need for structure. My Experience... I grew up in the South, you know "God's Country", in a small Baptist Church. During this time and even now, there are many groups, but one thing they cherish second only to Jesus Christ is their independence to do as they like. As a result, of the four Churches I attended before the age of twenty, were small Churches, with very limited resources. If a member be ill, could not work, or unemployed, and needed assistance, the Pastor would ask for a "love offering", usually a one time assistance. This would sometimes give those in need one more week or two before welfare or homelessness. It was not because they were not good people, they were very good people in a small independent Church with limited resources. The inability to see to both the "temporal" needs of it's members, in time of trouble, was a result of that independence and going it alone. The need to teach what they wished, is what caused a rift between them and other Churches of the same denomination. The Need for Organization... This week with the destruction and flooding in Texas, will be met with great sorrow, and great opportunity to serve. From my past experience, I know that before this storm made landfall, help was already being made ready and waiting for both members and none members from all over the U.S. Trucks were being loading, drivers were on standby, and waiting for a small number of phone calls to be set to motion. I was out sick this Sunday from Church, but if not then, this Sunday "Fasts" will be dedicated, monies will be donated, and members will be asked to assist. Overnight millions will be raised, millions more with be allocated, and millions of man hours will be given. All of this is possible due to " Organization". It is made possible by a shared belief, not only in doctrine, but in the "call to serve", that is also a shared belief. Thousands will find temporary housing, food, water, and good old fashion Christian Charity. The Government will certainly do the lion share of aid, but not the simple one on one touch of someone reaching out and lifting another up. I know all of this, because I have been a part of many disasters already. Because of my skill set(s) I have given much of my time in a number of disasters local or otherwise. This time however, I will be unable to travel and help as I would like too. My brother lives just 50 miles North of Huston, so I have a sincere interest, as members of my family have already been affected. But I know that in my absence, members from all over the South and from my own Ward will be able to assist. All of this due to shared beliefs, shared values, shared desire, and the "organization" born of these shared beliefs. Need for structure... The Church exists to provide structure, and to aid it's members to achieve individually and collectively, what they cannot do alone. The early Apostles gave their lives, literally and figuratively to hold the Church together. Their every waking moment in serving, and teaching to insure that the Church held together, to combat false teaching and to protect against "grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock". This is also to provide for general welfare of the Saints. It is true, that many, like rebellious teens find structure, rules and what comes of it difficult. But this is all the more reason for that structure, because the "natural man" needs it, to ever become the "Spiritual man". We would all at times wish to think we can go it alone, but it is in these difficult times when we can see the value of all that we are as a people. Some do indeed see the structure and organization, as too restricting, but not those who will benefit during this disaster temporality, now those who grow mighty in service to others. So, for at least for short time, let us take part and see what this great work, Church and people can and will do to our shared beliefs. Thoughts?
Daniel2 Posted August 28, 2017 Posted August 28, 2017 (edited) Much of what you wrote above dovetails with my current beliefs on the optimal type of organization of religion and the benefits it can offer: I believe in the ethical application of religion. Good works are the natural product of a good faith, the evidence of an inner grace that finds completion in social and community involvement. I believe in the motive force of love. The governing principle in human relationships is the principle of love, which always seeks the welfare of others and never seeks to hurt or destroy. I believe in the necessity of the democratic process. Records are open to scrutiny, elections are open to members, and ideas are open to criticism—so that people might govern themselves. I believe in the importance of a religious community. The validation of experience requires the confirmation of peers, who provide a critical platform along with a network of mutual support. Edited August 28, 2017 by Daniel2
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