There is no doubt that organized religion is on the decline and has been for years. Here are some ways it can be more difficult to participate in the traditions, ceremonies, and socializing that organized religion provides.
One Way Organized Religion is Getting Difficult is…
1 HAVING NO DOUBTS ABOUT THE RELIGION’S TEACHINGS
This is probably the most difficult part of organized religion. It’s hard to believe absolutely everything in the teachings without questioning, at least some of it. Organized religions tend to have contradictions that have a variety of interpretations of their written books, which are and have been from male perspectives.
Another Way Organized Religion is Getting Difficult is…
2 TRYING TO RESPECT THE LEADERS
It’s getting more difficult to follow the religion’s leaders. Many are getting caught not following what they preach to others.
Another Way Organized Religion is Getting Difficult is…
3 THEY OFTEN EXCLUDE OTHERS
Most organized religions tend to judge and outcast certain individuals, groups, or even other religions. It gets difficult to believe in “negative” teachings and treatment of others, especially if you, your family, or others you know are the ones being cast out.
Another Way Organized Religion is Getting Difficult is…
4 THEY ARE OFTEN RIGID
Organized religions tend to be based on ceremonies, traditions, and a shared culture—sometimes lasting over centuries. That means they usually resist change and often become outdated with the speed at which things are happening now.
Another Way Organized Religion is Getting Difficult is…
5 THAT IT IS BECOMING A MINORITY
Organized religions were usually centered around face-to-face socializing. But with the help of social media and the Covid lockdown, making time to gather with other individuals in one place at a certain time hasn’t been as popular as it once was. Also, since there are not that many places to worship now, it usually takes more travel time. So, less and less people are willing to attend on a steady basis.
Another Way Organized Religion is Getting Difficult is…
6 MANY HAVE BECOME PROFIT CENTERS
Many organized religions are run like businesses, owning real estate, hospitals, schools, selling merchandise, and practically anything else. It’s getting more difficult to watch what once was a “giving to others” philosophy grow into something completely different.
Another Way Organized Religion is Getting Difficult is…
7 THAT THEY ARE USUALLY GUILT OR SHAME BASED
Most organized religions are based on a system that decides what are “wrong” and what are “right” behaviors. Then they, almost always men, establish a set of rules to live by. If we adhere to their rules, we will be rewarded—sometimes not until we die. But if we don’t, we will be punished in some way.
Basically, most organized religions try to get and retain followers by making us feel ashamed and guilty for who we are or our behaviors. Then they provide us with guidelines to change or forgive ourselves.
Summary
One of the best ways to know if organized religion is working in your favor is to pay attention to how you feel. If it makes you feel better when you are attending the services, doing their prescribed rituals, and interacting with others, stick with it. But if you are having serious doubts about the teachings, are tired of feeling guilty or bad about who you are or your behaviors, feel uncomfortable when they tell you to judge others, or are not excited about participating in their events, you might want to consider diving into your own spiritual journey.
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I have two QUIZZES that may help you continue on your own spiritual journey…
How Often Do You Listen to Your Intuition?
Also, check out the Inner Work and Intuition sections on my website.
And, if you need an advisor to help you on your quest, contact Vickie Champion for a coaching and consulting session at a discounted price.