Just wanted to give my take on the book,
“ORGANIZED RELIGION” by Bob Smietana.
I read it in 2 days, 236 pages and it was very informative.
Submitted “THE RESHAPING OF THE AMERICAN CHURCH AND WHY IT MATTERS.
Bob is a veteran religion writer of twenty years and brings out the state of American Christianity.
He brings out the toll of divisions over race,
politics, covid, in America has had on organized religion. Bob brings out the trend in the last 20 years is rapid decline in church congratulations.
This book goes over in detail the reasons for that and points the only way forward. GREAT CHANGE IS NEEDED AND THINGS CANNOT BE BUSINESS AS USUAL. White congratulations need to diversify racially or run the risk of dying.
Mega churches are not necessarily bringing in the lost but drawing of members of small congregations. Like Walmart does to small business.
Bob points out the danger of top down leadership and the popular trend of operating the church like a business. He goes over the self inflicted wounds of myriads of huge personalities falling into public shame.
The good that the church does makes it
(and he has many inspirational accounts)
worth saving. Relationships formed and community as well as help given in times of disaster.
I evan found myself described as one who left organized religion and I quote from page 134…..”has led people to seek out what she called a “purified” verson of spirituallity that would steer clear of some the issues raised by politicized religion “.
This book has the ring of unbiased truth of a hard path forward. With God all things are possible. I recommend this book to any and all readers who want the hard facts.
"THE place for you to grow in grace."