[Alamo-Girl]

Could be that religion(all religion) separates the sheep from the goats, and is a good thing.. because a simple honest prayer to the real God for clarity can make the difference.. from a religious 2nd reality, to a reality that transcends religion..

Interesting thought, hosepipe. I suspect the problem is not in the religion per se but in the adherents' attitude toward it. If they worship the leader, founder or doctrine instead of God - they are in darkness.

Some believers - especially new believers - may be more comfortable receiving the interpretation of Scripture from someone they trust. And some need the approval of others.

Jesus warns us this way:

Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching [for] doctrines the commandments of men. - Mark 7:7

IMHO, the ones most at risk are those who - in position of authority in organized religion - abuse their office and mislead the congregation on Spiritual matters.

[hosepipe]

[ Interesting thought, hosepipe. I suspect the problem is not in the religion per se but in the adherents' attitude toward it. If they worship the leader, founder or doctrine instead of God - they are in darkness. ]

And that darkness matters in the dark energy flowing from it..
A vacuous form of religion.. taking up space between anything that matters..
Nullifiying spiritual reality..

[betty boop]

IMHO, the ones most at risk are those who - in position of authority in organized religion - abuse their office and mislead the congregation on Spiritual matters.

If I may speak according to the "old metaphors," I feel pretty sure that a very special place in Hell is reserved for such as you describe here. People who abuse legitimate authority, who abuse the trust of the faithful whom they claim to serve, are scandal in the sight of God. And likewise ought to be so considered, in the sight of man. [Or so it seems to me.]

The faithless shepherd has a whole lot to answer for, in due course. [ditto]