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Constantine's efforts on behalf of Christianity made it fashionable and easy to become a Christian, although biblical discipleship requires much more than most of us are willing to give today (and I'm not talking about money!).

In the fourth century, one had to study for up to three years as a catechumen before being baptized. I don't think that qualifies as "easy".

Do you really believe that Christians in "institutional" churches don't practice serious discipleship? Visit an Orthodox church next year during Great Lent a few times. Or, for that matter, try during Advent.

In the fourth century, one had to study for up to three years as a catechumen before being baptized. I don't think that qualifies as "easy".

And what exactly was included in the catechism? I can tell you that when I was in the Catholic Church, the vast majority of what was taught was from a Catholic point of view and from a Catholic Bible. Is that really producing disciples of Christ?

As one who serves in what some may call a "pastoral role", I can tell you that protestants are no different, teaching their own denomination's doctrines and theology and not the Bible.

I am not saying that institutional churches are evil or wicked, but neither do they reflect the true nature of the Church because the church, prior to the third century was totally devoid of heirarchial structures and programs to "keep the sheep" from straying.

What I am saying is that God, in spite of, and not because of, institutionalized churches moves because there are people there. But that was/is not the original design or intent of God for His people to confine themselves within the four walls of a church and have paid "clergy" (a disgusting word) and "laymen" (another horrible term), effectively creating a class system among the Body of Christ.

But because we have been taught, or rather force-fed, the doctrines of men, we believe that "church" today is it, when it is not.