Organized Religion

By Buff Scott, Jr.

[Page 89]

     Sometime ago the editor of the Clarinda Clarion, a monthly magazine written and published by the patients and staff of the Mental Health Institute where I am employed as an aide, came to me and requested that I write a feature on "Religion and the Patient." The hospital chaplains have monthly features on religion, but the editor felt that more interest would be generated if a common man, not ecclesiastically trained or theologically polished, expressed himself on the subject.

     I went to work. When I submitted my material to the editor, he examined and evaluated my efforts and turned my essay over to the editorial staff for final approval. A short time later he returned the article with suggested revisions, especially as to the heading. One of the members of the editorial staff (a social worker and wife of one of the hospital doctors) took issue with the caption. She wanted it changed to "Moral Values and the Patient."

     The editor explained she was a nonconformist to organized religion and felt the heading depicted such. I had no grounds for argument or rebuttal and since most of the contents would remain intact, I gave my consent to the revision. But almost immediately I began to think deeply and seriously about organized religion. If I was interpreting the statement of the social worker correctly she was actually expressing my own inmost feelings.

     From what I have learned, this woman is not an atheist or skeptic, yet she is opposed to organized religion. She is not against organization or order. Her own work is done in orderly fashion. She is not a devotee of the mania and confused type of religion in which so many dear souls are entangled, where everyone "lets his hair down." She does not strike me as being hyperactive or emotional. Her modesty, intelligence and qualifications are not questioned.

     What did she mean by being opposed to "organized religion"? She simply expressed a feeling which dominates the hearts and minds of many who are "fed up" with what is sometimes called "the establishment." Religion in general has become a highly ecclesiastical, intricate mess, and the hearts of many are begging for that simple and informal faith and seeking that genuine love which were the order of the day during the childhood years of the Christian profession. They want a spiritual closeness which is akin to the warmth and communion of the family circle, where everyone is free and encouraged to talk, discuss, edify, stimulate, and even disagree.

     They feel that a group of Christians meeting "in thy house," may produce more spiritual stimulus than "going to church" all of the time to sit and give while a theologically-oriented proclaimer stands upon a pedestal and gives the usual run of party slogans, sermons, Sunday School figures, etc.

     If Joseph could "lean upon his staff and worship" the God of heaven, we can at least gather into a family-like circle, surrounded by a family-type atmosphere, and praise and honor our God for such a compassionate Savior. We have organized the church until the inner man has become dormant and is suffering from spiritual malnutrition. The externals receive the emphasis, while the Spirit is dying for lack of "the bread of life." The time will come when there will not be one stone or brick in our huge expensive edifices that will not be torn down. But the edifice of the heart, built with love and faith, will stand forever!

     Our younger generation, especially those of our own parties, are investigating, exploring, and seeking answers to the meaning and purpose of life. And what are we offering them? A pew in which to sit, collection plates into which to dump their money, and a stale and heartless sermon on "Instrumental Music," or

[Page 90]

"The Identity of the Church." Their restlessness stems from their dissatisfaction with organized religion. They are tired of the obsessive feeling of terror and of being lost. They want the love and assurance that can come only from a warm and understanding God. They are aware that these golden elements are difficult to find within the confines of organized religion.

     Sharing with others the theology of Jesus "at the well" or "by the riverside" may prove more encouraging and enlightening than warming a seat in one of our grand palaces every time the doors open and the bells ring. The time has come when worship and work are any time and the place is where we are (John 4:21-24).

     (Editor's Note: The author of the above may be addressed at Route 2, New Market, Iowa 51646).