Organized religion is the bane of humanity, Villan. But the behaviour you encountered is the behaviour of the organization, not the subject, and not the self-selcted action of the individuals involved. Rather it is a kind of mass-think that the individuals fall in to when they are wrapped up in an organized power structure. They are completely responsible for participating in it, of course, but it is valuable to make the distinction between what they might do outside such an environment.

A manipulative, scheming, self-defensive, conceited organization does not seem to hurt a religion the way it might hurt a retail business, for some reason. The Vatican's hierarchy, the Jesuits, and the right-wing Republican Party come to mind as examples of comparable arrogance. All nutsy religious organizations, all convinced they know what is right and what is best for you, and willing to put you in a hammer-lock to make it happen.

A ridiculous and pitiable phenomenon, to be sure, wherever it is found. SPare me from their salvation, no matter what color it is painted. A salvation which exonerates and even prompts such abuse is absurd, cartoon salvation much to be avoided.



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