Number 1 cause of Hate, Disunity, and War

[Aquila]

I think a major issue with relation to "religion" with regards to hate, disunity, and/or war is "centralization". ORGANIZED religion can be deadly. The historical church has murdered countless numbers of her own who were seeking truth. As an organic Pentecostal I value "decentralization". I believe that a "church" can be a circle of brethren meeting in homes or other venues who own no buildings or have any licensing. "Elders" are viewed more as "spiritual mentors" or "spiritual fathers". The local gathering functions more like a "family" than a "non-profit corporation". I believe that this is how Christianity flourished during it's first 200 to 300 years. It wasn't until Christianity began to become centralized with a episcopate that allied with the Roman state do we see the abuses of power and greed on such a wide scale. If we could get back to the simplicity of the Gospel... gathering together... two or more... elders not being those who hold an "office" but those who serve as mentors... we'd become a body that values decentralized power, diversity in opinion and interpretation, and focuses on simply following Jesus.

Organized religion can be deadly. That's why I reject it. Nothing of God would do such evil to individuals or societies. We need to return to the wide open Christian faith and reject Christian religion.

[NotforSale]

Originally Posted by Aquila

I think a major issue with relation to "religion" with regards to hate, disunity, and/or war is "centralization". ORGANIZED religion can be deadly. The historical church has murdered countless numbers of her own who were seeking truth. As an organic Pentecostal I value "decentralization". I believe that a "church" can be a circle of brethren meeting in homes or other venues who own no buildings or have any licensing. "Elders" are viewed more as "spiritual mentors" or "spiritual fathers". The local gathering functions more like a "family" than a "non-profit corporation". I believe that this is how Christianity flourished during it's first 200 to 300 years. It wasn't until Christianity began to become centralized with a episcopate that allied with the Roman state do we see the abuses of power and greed on such a wide scale. If we could get back to the simplicity of the Gospel... gathering together... two or more... elders not being those who hold an "office" but those who serve as mentors... we'd become a body that values decentralized power, diversity in opinion and interpretation, and focuses on simply following Jesus.

Organized religion can be deadly. That's why I reject it. Nothing of God would do such evil to individuals or societies. We need to return to the wide open Christian faith and reject Christian religion.

Excellent post!!!!!!!!!

[renee819]

Originally Posted by aquila

i think a major issue with relation to "religion" with regards to hate, disunity, and/or war is "centralization". Organized religion can be deadly. The historical church has murdered countless numbers of her own who were seeking truth. As an organic pentecostal i value "decentralization". I believe that a "church" can be a circle of brethren meeting in homes or other venues who own no buildings or have any licensing. "elders" are viewed more as "spiritual mentors" or "spiritual fathers". The local gathering functions more like a "family" than a "non-profit corporation". I believe that this is how christianity flourished during it's first 200 to 300 years. It wasn't until christianity began to become centralized with a episcopate that allied with the roman state do we see the abuses of power and greed on such a wide scale. If we could get back to the simplicity of the gospel... Gathering together... Two or more... Elders not being those who hold an "office" but those who serve as mentors... We'd become a body that values decentralized power, diversity in opinion and interpretation, and focuses on simply following jesus.

Organized religion can be deadly. That's why i reject it. Nothing of god would do such evil to individuals or societies. We need to return to the wide open christian faith and reject christian religion.

men amen and amen