Reply #4: but not all organized religion

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

follows the model you describe. There are protestant denominations, such a Unitarian/Universalist and Unity, that stress the individual nature of a person's relationship to God without demanding that said individual toe a certain ideological line. Even more mainline Protestant churches, such as the Methodist Church, encourage independent thought. That was the church in which I was raised, and the congregation where I took my catechism was one that was very liberal and tolerant, allowing different interpretations of the nature of Jesus and His message within the congregation. I am sure if you talk with Jews, they can tell you of certain sects and congregations that don't demand following a leader and adhering to a strict religious line. And heaven knows that Sufis are individuals, are encouraged to be individuals, and don't always follow the suggestion of their leaders (I've known some, in fact, who have told our leaders off, and remain in the Order in good standing).

That being said, sure, there are plenty of "churches" that fall into the model you describe. And many other groups, such as "White Citizen's Councils", the Klan, and other hate groups as well. There are plenty of people deluded by fear and lack of self-esteem to the point where they rely on demagogies to do their thinking for them. Some are in churches, some are not; but the point is that not all organized religion falls into this category.