Religion vs the Church

[mbuna]

Ok, so mostly I identify as an athiest although I often think I'm more of an agnostic.

I really have nothing against religion, I just don't really believe in it.  But I'm 100% against the church.  I think organized religion is one of the true evils in the world.  More pain and suffering is caused by decisions made by these churches.

I also think that the catholic church in particular is purely greed driven.

[BoutiqueMusic]

Greed driven?  Where did you get that?  From the fact that they are the largest land holder in the US?  The part where they have been caught molesting children and they are still in business?  The part where they ask for money every week and never seem to have enough?  The part where the members donate up to 20% of their pay?

[karrar]

I am confused to read that how we can we compare Church and Religion. In Christianity churches are the basics and the only resource to preach Christianity. We can't blame churches, these are people or preachers who are wrong.

[mbuna]

Religion has existed long before the churches came into being.  Churches are not the only path to salvation in christanity, and in fact some say that christ preached that you can follow him without the need for the church.

However it is the organized religions (Catholicism, Methodist, etc.) that create "rules" that need to be followed.  All too often these rules are oppressive to people that don't fit their "image of god".

[sizzle]

In my case, I really feel the church and religion are very much related.  I'm spiritual & I don't really believe in religion.  I'm not against it but I don't like to be involved in anything religious.  However, I feel the church physically symbolizes religion, culture, tradition & art.  They are beautiful structures.

[andrew]

I also think that the catholic church in particular is purely greed driven.

it not the case with every church i work with my local church and they have just restored the church and build a garden of there own back an this church aint theh best looking but it does the job

[mbuna]

Andrew,

I'm glad to hear that some aren't driven by greed.  In general I think Catholic Churches are more about the show and money than anything else.  I see the diocese in Los Angeles is spending something like $100,000,000 (that's right, 100 million dollars) on a new cathedral!

Does Jesus really need a building of that cost?

[rayww]

I think everyone must believe in something, maybe nothing releated to religious.
That's norm that when you are in trouble, your mind will think of something and hope someone willing to help you.
I am non-religoius, and i have this kind of feeling.