Posted by Jonah on May 20, 1999 at 02:34:11:

In Reply to: Why belong to an organized religion? posted by Heather Deutsch on May 19, 1999 at 20:51:14:

Hi Heather.

First, you wrote: "Although I've answered this question to the best of my ability..." What were some of your answers?

Though I can't say to what extent I personally "belong" to an organized religion, I would point out--if it came up--that all religions are organized. The very word, re-ligio, can be construed as meaning "to bind (lig-) together," as in "to unify a group." I think that the phrase "organized religion" has become somewhat of a catch-phrase to refer to the general trends of post-enlightenment religion distasteful to those of a more individualistic and/or "liberalistic" bent. But, really, I think it's something of a meaningless phrase. Even current new-age forms of spirituality, which are often used as contrasts to "organized religion," have their own organizations and often even doctrines and orthopraxis.

Interesting topic -- I hope others weigh in and contribute their thoughts.
-Jonah

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