An Incomplete Defense of Organized Religion

Sensitive individuals of diverse spiritual leanings often disparage "organized religion." But, while a private faith is indisputably precious, Christianity is a religion that demands organization. Without it, what Christ requires of His body simply can not be managed. From the first, Christians sought one another like roots seek water. After Jesus arose, the disciples promptly assembled themselves. They regrouped, appointed Judas’ replacement, and went on to change the world. Acts 2 describes transformed men, eager to meet together, who quickly established new and productive lifestyles. Those early activities-- teaching, fellowship, prayer, and worship--are mirrored today in obedient congregations. No lone-ranger believers in those First Century days; they absolutely knew they needed one other. In contemporary Communist and Muslim nations, Christians at times risk their lives to meet together. They sense the same urgent need as the early church. Spiritual gifts are exercised and multiplied in the company of others. Yes, one can (and should) worship solo. A violinist will similarly spend hours making music alone. But he knows that contributing his skills as part of a symphony orchestra lifts him to an entirely different plane. So it is with communal worship. We simply cannot play all the instruments ourselves. We need our differently-talented brethren to help us praise God, especially when our personal prayer and private devotions slump. We can possibly see God’s glory alone in our prayer closet. But joined together, shadow-chasing light shines much brighter.
In addition to transforming worship and prayer, organized religion has built hospitals and colleges, as well as cathedrals. Generations of Christians have labored to serve the ill, orphaned, and impoverished. Organization is not incidental, but integral, to the delivery of such service. In times of natural and manmade disaster, groups birthed by organized religion are typically first on the scene. The Southern Baptists responding to Hurricane Katrina is one example. The Salvation Army, always present in the midst of need, is yet another incarnation of "organized religion." These groups could not be effective without the order that reflects God’s nature. Less dramatically but nonetheless tenderly, local church women routinely provide luncheons for the bereaved and layettes for the fatherless.
Still, one may be repelled by the failings of the organized Church which litter history. Preachers fall, laymen are foolish. Yet Jesus has always called imperfect persons to follow him. He calls us, in fact, to be his Body and his Bride. We are to be his hands, his feet, and his Love. Of paramount importance, such an assignment focuses on Christ, not ourselves. And we can’t complete it if we are detached, isolated, or haphazard. We can choose, according to our tastes, among countless varieties of structure. But a Christian needs "organized religion."