"Christianity - Is it a Hierarchical Authoritarian Organization?"

Hierarchical Authoritarian Organization?

Where in reality is there not organization and order?  Even in and among those who decry order, there is some degree of organization.  Perhaps one would posit such things as certain diseases that disrupt the order found on a cellular level.  Or maybe one could cite certain disorderly mental processes as examples but overall the universe and all that is in it is only possible because of order.

Overall, there is more order to be found in reality than there is any other notion such as randomness and theoretical science.  In fact without an overwhelming predominance of order, there would be no reality and certainly no foundation to postulate the theoretical.  In other words for there to be the existence of anything in the field of reality, there must be some sort of order and then as well consider in social systems that where there is order there is authority.

A companion to this discussion is found in the article, “Christianity – Is it Authoritarian?” available at http://alviesthots.blogspot.com/2012/11/christianity-is-it-authoritarian.html.  It too is based upon the discussion found in the pamphlet from which come many of these questions.  It is to be noted that the pamphlet treats the subject of authority two times and so shall these writings.

The Christian Church Reflects Creation

To decry Christianity for it being hierarchical and authoritarian is inconsistent with what is known about nature.  Any number of systems found in creation function based upon order and authority.  For example the human body is made up of cells which would not function without authority and order.

In particular for cells to function they must have a nucleus which via enzymes then guides the function of that cell.  Thus on a micro level, there is organization and authority.

Another example is described as “pecking order” or the social order among chickens and other animals.  Such order and authority is found even in the most “laissez-faire” family.  Add to nature such things as a country’s economy, government, business, charity, and the list goes on and on as to where one finds authority, hierarchy, and organization!

Servant Structure

The source mentioned below is also naïve in its treatment of the function, roles and relationships, and other elements of the group.  Every group will develop either a formal or an informal organization and such organization simply means that there are differing roles with various levels of responsibility.  The Christian Church as a social organization is no different than any of a number of social groups. 

In any group both formally or informally someone will rise to the fore as leader and other position will fill behind that leader.  However, here the similarity disappears as in almost all other social organizations there is a top down authoritarian influence.  Properly understood in the Christian Church the pyramid is turned so that the organization is based upon a bottom up servant structure.

The Christian Church

One might ask, being that man is so surrounded by order and authority why would the Christian Church be singled for criticism?  At best one reading the criticism tendered concludes that it is because of a misunderstanding of what constitutes ecclesiastical authority.

It is as if the Church, Roman Catholic and otherwise, has some mysterious power over its adherents which through threat and coercion keep the faithful, faithful.  Such takes a very low view of man.  The reality is far different for if that were the only force at work then such groups that have no authoritarian threat structure would cease to exist. 

Take for example service clubs such as Rotary or Kiwanis, or fraternal organizations like the Elks or the Eagles, or veterans organizations such as the VFW or the Fleet Reserve Association.  Each of these groups has standards for membership, standards by which members function, mores, and agreed upon purposes.  None of these groups employ coercive authority yet they function and have functioned for years.

Excesses

To be sure there have been excesses in the Christian Church.  However, to judge all by the mistaken behaviors of a few is both illogical and unfair.  Once again the criticism laid at the doorstep of the Christian Church is unfounded by reality and ignores the capacity of the individual to make decisions and as well the mental-emotional-social needs of the person individually and people corporately.

Unifying Purpose

Another element missing from the discussion is that of a unifying purpose.  Groups both long term and short term form around mutually agreed upon purposes.  Such would be so for a labor union, neighborhood group, humanitarian relief groups, and the list goes on and on.  Even those who claim that they are against organized religion and against government may not realized it but they too have joined together because of a shared and unifying purpose.

Of course, when it is a positive purpose such as feeding the homeless, the Red Cross, Farm-aid, or some other humanitarian purpose such groups form and exhibit certain qualities and characteristics that keep it unified and purposeful. 

When groups form for negative purpose such as the Occupy Wall Street, the Anarchists, and the like their unifying purpose is negative and thus they tend to be more dysfunctional, fail to grow beyond a minority of malcontents, and eventually disorganize.

Abusive Leadership

To discount all leadership based upon the manipulation, excesses, and errors of a few is a most serious mistake.  Such denigrates those who genuinely serve with not greater purpose than that of care for the destitute, the homeless, the poor, and the defenseless. 

Most pastors, priests, rabbis and the like who provide care are much more concerned with the care they offer than the materialism they might receive.  In fact, many die in poverty after a life spent sharing in the needs of others.  Indeed there is abuse in Christian Church leadership and it is in and among those religious leaders who deprive and abuse themselves to serve others.

Low View of Man

The article takes a very low view of people referring to them as "unwashed masses."  In doing so it seems a bit condescending toward such people.  Additionally, it sees man as being at the mercy of hierarchical authority and organization. 

However, there are two issues that are not given consideration in taking such a position.  First, the incidents in which people move from one faith group to another or even give up on church attendance all together suggests that such a “control” perspective is in most cases not true.

Second, even the author’s background as an Anarchist is at variance with the whole notion that one is inextricably controlled by the larger and more dominant social group (e.g. Church, Business, or Government).  That is not to say that there is not or cannot be manipulative control but most often it is with those who claim special truth and not with orthodox Christian denominations.

Summary

What then is to be made of the accusation that the Christian Church is a hierarchical, authoritarian organization?  Well, yes the Christian Church is hierarchical but then so are many other organizations.  Yes, the Christian Church is authoritarian but no more so than any other group that people voluntarily join.  Yes, the Christian Church is organized but then so too is any of a number of other groups. 

So what is the issue being addressed in the article?  Though not stated it is the writer’s agenda born of his ignorance of what the Christian Church is really all about.  You see properly understood the Christian Church is all about service and as a matter of fact even a cursory reading of history will reveal that the notion of Christian service is the foundation for many of the benefits that people in the West enjoy today.

Background

To see the list of subjects to be discussed in this series see my blog (Christianity – Is it a Faith Driven by Fear? http://alviesthots.blogspot.com/2012/11/christianity-is-it-faith-driven-by-fear.html).  Contained within that blog is a reference, 20 Reasons to Abandon Christianity and in that reference is a list which is the springboard from which this subject has been discussed.

"Christianity - Is it Narrow Minded?"

Christianity’s Narrow Moral View

The suggestion in this case is that Christian morality focuses primarily on matters of sexual behavior.  To read the article referenced below in the background section leaves one with the sense that the writer is once again grasping at straws. 

The notion that “…everything not prohibited is permitted…” is a construct that has no general historical foundation.  Well that is unless a person picks and chooses historical events that may not even represent true Christianity in order to make his case.  Such is the case here.

Morals versus Ethics

In considering the question one must begin with the difference between morals and ethics.  Morals come from the word mores or that which the majority of a culture or sub-culture believes.  On the other hand ethics is more universal and objective.  Christians as well as others believe such to be transcendent.  To read a treatment of the subject see a brief treatment posted at http://alviesthots.blogspot.com/2011/08/ethics-vs-morals.html.  At that posting there are references to other postings on the subject.  

Wild Accusations Against Christians

Wild accusations against Christianity often flow without documentation.  While it may be true that certain clergy may have endorsed slave trade, such accusations must be supported with documentation or they quickly become irrelevant.  What is more, it also must be remembered that it was the Christian Church in general and individual Christians such as William Wilberforce who stood against the culture and was instrumental in the abolition of slavery.

Christians Ignoring Evils—Oh Really?

Slavery is but one of the evils that the Christian Church has stood against.  Therefore, to lay the claim that Christians ignore the very real evils plaguing society is something of a conflicting statement.  It conflicts with the truth and it conflicts with logic. 

The Basis for Evil

Just how is it one can make the determination that something is evil? 

Logically, there can be no evil without there being a standard by which to make such a judgment. (See argument in posting at http://alviesthots.blogspot.com/2012/10/are-there-universal-concepts.html).  Again, the question arises as to the origin of that standard by which something can be valued as evil.

The common answer is that such standards came as culture evolved such values.  However, what cannot be answered is why there are common values in cultures that are separated and have no relationship.  An example is the preoccupation with life, even in the most egregious kinds of activities (infant sacrifice) such were done based upon the premise that pleasing the god would grant a good harvest and such was necessary for life.

In other words such actions as unconscionable as they were—were based upon the notion of the greater good.  That is another universal concept which incidentally is out of step with the “survival of the fittest” notion of evolutionary theory. 

The Good and Evil Judgment

Why then are such things as “…poverty; homelessness; hunger; militarism; a grossly unfair distribution of wealth and income; ecological despoliation exacerbated by corporate greed; overpopulation; sexism; racism; homophobia; freedom-denying, invasive drug laws; an inadequate educational system…” judged to be wrong?  By what standard does one decide these things are good or evil?  Again, one must consider the origin of that standard?

The Question of Responsibility

Arising now is the question of responsibility.  While the Christian church is to be the voice of reason and ethical restraint, there are some matters that belong to government. 

For example in the foregoing list, “…militarism; ecological despoliation exacerbated by corporate greed; freedom-denying, invasive drug laws; an inadequate educational system…” are all issues that fall into the purview of the government.  How is it that any logical thinking person would postulate otherwise?

You Really Want Intrusion?

The same voices that scream bloody murder when the church supposedly intrudes into one’s person life now are equally verbal in asking why the Christian Church is not involved (see previous post at http://alviesthots.blogspot.com/2012/12/christianity-does-it-produce-sexual.html).

One cannot have it both ways.  Either one accepts the involvement of the church or doesn’t accept it.  Such again points to the unfair and illogical thinking on the part of those who cynically disparage the Christian church. 

Secular Champions

It seems then that those with secular agenda want the church to champion their secular causes.    However, again it is illogical for the church when it is mobilized brings with it ethical reality and such reality is not comfortable to the secularist. 

In other words, if you want Christians involved then fine but when such involvement does not fit the secular agenda then be quiet!

Put up or Shut up

Consider then the other social problems listed.  “…poverty; homelessness; hunger; overpopulation; sexism; racism; homophobia….”   Where are the atheistic groups?  Have they opened soup kitchens, rescue missions, etc.?  What hospital have they opened?  Christians have the YMCA, the Salvation Army, the Red Cross, AA, and many more helping agencies that have their beginnings because of Christian faith. 

In fact if you look at the Christian church you will find that against the mores of Rome they elevated the status of women, giving the leadership in the fledgling church and stood against racism.  As well, the charge of homophobia is the statement of bias by the writer (see below for source).  The truth is that most churches are well able to accept all kinds of people while not endorsing or even agreeing with their life-style and sexual choices.

So then before an avowed anarchist atheist gets too wild in his claims where is the Young Men’s Atheist Association, the Atheist Army, the Red Anarchist, Alcoholics Atheism Anonymous, etc.?  Oh and one more question.  Would you welcome a conservative Bible believing Christian in your group?  I thought not!

Background

To see the list of subjects to be discussed in this series see my blog (Christianity – Is it a Faith Driven by Fear?).  Contained within that blog is a reference, 20 Reasons to Abandon Christianity and in that reference is a list which is the springboard from which this subject has been discussed.

"Christianity - Does it Produce Sexual Misery?"

You Want the Intruding Church

Closely tied to the notion of the Christian Church being authoritarian (cf. Christianity – Is it Authoritarian?”) is the idea that the Christian Church is intrusive.  Such is most certainly true but not as most think.

Members of the Christian Church even the most left leaning do seek to intrude into culture when it seeks to disenfranchise a group or people (e.g. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.), when it seeks the demise of a people as during the days of the Roman Empire when Christians rescued babies left out to die of exposure.  To be sure the members of the Christian Church sought to intrude into the lives of those left to suffer the consequences of little or no education, those widowed, those orphaned, and those without medical care.

So you see the Christian Church in doing her duties did intrude into the lives of people and of culture.  Often with great opposition as it stood and today seeks to stand against destructive and disenfranchising societal mores on Biblical grounds.

Intrusion into Personal Lives

The criticism is that the Church intrudes into the sex lives of Christians and non-Christians and thus produces great misery.  The underlying suggesting is that such an “intrusion” is for malevolent purpose to inflict as much pain and unhappiness upon all.

Well by that standard many other things also inflict pain and create unhappiness.  For example one could argue that speed laws and those laws having to do with personal property are intrusions into one’s personal life.  If those who postulate the sexual misery argument have any sense at all they would not appreciate someone speeding through a school zone or entering their premises with dishonorable purpose.

Unintended Consequences

What then about unintended consequences.  One needs to look no further than the epidemics of HIV and AIDS to see the consequences of unrestrained sexual conduct. 

Such outcomes are not the consequences of prudishness on the part of the faith community that supposedly purposes misery but of unrestrained sexual practices.  Yet one finds the proponents of the notions strangely quiet about the STD and unintended pregnancy outcomes of such behaviors.

Do you suppose that just maybe the STD epidemic validates the stand of the Scriptures?  Does not the misery of the final stages of AIDS validate the importance of sexual purity?  

Greater Good

Although sexual purity may well be disparaged or even inconvenient, could not one argue that sexual purity is for the greater good of a culture or sub-culture?  Imagine the cost savings if culture was not saddled with the burden of research into a cure and as well the costs of the care of those who are afflicted by the disease.  

Prohibited Sexual Behavior

The question then arises as to the basis for prohibited sexual behavior.  There are several thoughts worth considering.  Before doing so consider that those who would like to rid the world of the restraint of sexual standards once again play fast and loose with the numbers.

To read the article that prompted this posting one reads words like, “…humans beings are by nature highly sexual beings…,” those who follow the Bible “…are often miserable…,” and “…many Christians are poisoned by ‘sinful’ urges, unfulfilled longings, and intense guilt….”  The problem is that once again there are quantum leap assumptions. 

Upon What Foundation

At the outset, may it be clear that the principles and practices of the Judeo-Christian Scriptures are often hard sayings.  The acceptance of or the rejection of same is never ever without consequence. 

The simple truth is that there are those who put their own “spin” upon the Scriptures to seek to accomplish their own ends and purposes.  For example, the activities of the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, KS.  However, most of those who follow the Scriptures do not do so for their own purposes and gain but out of obedience to those Scriptures.

Private or Public

Those things done by consenting adults in private need not be the business of anyone, church or otherwise.  However, what is at issue is the need for those involved in any kind of sexual conduct illicit or accepted to move such behavior from private to public and to do so in a militant manner.

Limitations

So then the question becomes this.  Where are the limits upon sexual expression?  If one is to believe that once one reaches puberty they are at the mercy of their sexual urges then where is the line between appropriate sexual expression and that which is not appropriate.

Again what two consenting adults do in the privacy of their home is their business but again where is the line to be drawn.  Is it at one’s ability to make the choice to be involved?

Consequences and Outcomes

No one can legitimately argue that illicit sex is not fun.  The reality is not so however the outcomes and consequences of such behavior are not so exciting. 

Previous attention was given to the proliferation of STDs but there are others.  For example more is coming to light about the emotional toll of abortion--most often an outcome of promiscuity.   

Disrespect

Then there is the out and out disrespect that one has for another who is simply a partner in a sex act.  At times there is little relationship beyond that necessary for one to have his/her way.  Much wisdom is contained in the question, “If the milk is free why buy the cow?”

The critics of monogamous sex refer to sex within marriage as not all that was anticipated.  The question that follows is where is the data to suggest such is so.  As well, no one is arguing that forbidden fruit is not exciting.

The Regret and Recrimination Factors

Then too, how many young men and women when they awaken the morning after realize that they have given away the highest form of physical intimacy that they can give?  Even in a culture that suggests sex should be easy and available there is something special about intercourse.  How many young women end up in deep regret for having given away that which may only given away once?  How many young men the same?

Looking for the Absent Thrill

The sexual act activates powerful reactions in the chemistry of the brain.  Just like the dope addict who requires more and more to achieve the high so too with sexual activity.  Thus dabbling in promiscuous sexual activity leads to more and different kinds of sex.  More and extreme forms of sexual involvement become necessary as one looks for that now absent thrill.   

Observation

Once again and for sure not the last, those who take issue with Christianity take great liberties in two areas that it turns out are beyond illogical and assumptive.   First, they set up their view of Christianity as the norm and as such want the reader to believe that their view has integrity.  They go on to ascribe all sorts of accesses to their view.

Second, as in this posting, they do not give fair play to the “rest of the story” and in particular the outcomes of promiscuity.  There is no mention of the emotional toll that promiscuity brings upon those who live such lives, the increasing incidents of STDs, and such.

It seems that if they are seeking the “truth” in some of these matters, they should follow the “truth” trail wherever it goes.  Of course to do so causes one to run smack dab into genuine reality as opposed to making it conform to unfair and even illogical agendas.   

Background

To see the list of subjects to be discussed in this series see my blog (Christianity – Is it a Faith Driven by Fear?).  Contained within that blog is a reference, 20 Reasons to Abandon Christianity and in that reference is a list which is the springboard from which this subject has been discussed.