organized vs. personal religion issues, exploring religions, etc?

Question

I was wondering what people's thoughts are about organized religion vs. maintaining one's own religion in a private manner.
Due to my interest in Buddhism (related to my own religion of Hinduism) I checked out and joined a suitable religious organization for a year or two to learn more about it. The people were very nice and kept saying "chant this, you'll be happy and successful." I am glad that works for them, and I don't deny that it works. But I think some of them would have thought it strange if they knew that I only wanted to learn more about their religion, not follow a new set of prayers or practice to change my life. I know they mean well, but its sad to me to think that some of them think thats the "only/best method to success/happiness/fulfillment in life". (Yes, some of them have explicitly made this clear).
This close-mindedness I experienced turns me off from organized religions (I've also read rants about similar issues from other org.religions).

I appreciate the answers given to me thus far. I am perfectly happy with the vast amount of knowledge and understanding to gain from my own religion, Hinduism, and I am also happy to learn about others, so thanks for the resources. Not to single anyone out, but I'd greatly appreciate it if no one says I have to follow a specific path to seek what I want.
I've also been to church a number of times and am familiar with a number of stories from the Bible. I'd love to read and learn more from it, but the people that wander the streets expressing "Jesus will save" sort of scare me (sorry!). I just happen to have interest, but all too often I've seen/heard of organized religions asking for lots of money, putting pressure, etc. and I just don't think religion has to be that complicated. I guess the communal gathering in a religious group can be nice (you make friends and learn from each other and work together). It just seems more than necessary (to me).

I would like to envision a religious organization (given that it does help provide clarification to religious teachings, make friends in faith, etc) in which all people (no matter what their religion) can actually discuss matters together without tearing each other apart. I mean, I've learned about so many killings, losing of friendships, etc. due to the supposed "superiority of one religion over another" type of thinking clouding people's minds. Yes, I think its respectable to have so much devotion and loyalty for one's own faith (I try to myself), and I think the inter-religious conferences I've heard about are great. They bring religious organizations together, don't they? Then why do I get the impression that these organizations feel like they are in "competition", due to their emphasis on getting more members, recruitment, etc? I mean, in the end, don't they all work together?

Answer 1

I don't think it's strange for you to be curious about a religion, that is perfectly natural. Remember that a religion gives meaning to a persons life, I think it's more strange if you didn't have a religion. I don't think you should call it "close mindedness", I think you should call it something like "a degree of skepticism".
In regards to organized religions, there are important for two reasons they exist.
The first, and most obvious, is to produce a consistency in thought and philosophy.
The second, and less obvious, is to provide financial and political power to the religion.
If you look at who has the political clout when it comes to religious matters in a country, you nearly always find it is an organized religion.

A good religion will encourage personal belief because they believe your salvation, next life, future life, happiness, financial success, or whatever, depends upon it. Also, it strengthens the religion. They should have the ability to justify their philosophy or thought from a collection of religious texts or by the teachings of masters. By maintaining your own personal belief you stop the religion from falling into "error", or teaching something which is in "error", that is, a thought or philosophy which differs from the source of their teaching.

Answer 2

I think personal spirituality is more important than organized religion. I was raised Catholic and around the time I entered middle school my mom decided to send me to an evangelical Christian school. The overall feeling of organized religion felt selfish to me. It was all about praying for God to affect my life but touched nothing on how I can affect the lives of others (besides trying to convert them). The basic teachings of Jesus (charity, kindness, education, helping those in need) were glossed over.

I soon realized that for me, my personal relationship to God and to the world was more important than attending a church every Sunday with a large group of people. I encountered the same sort of closed-mindedness from the evangelical church that you described. I have to say though, I did not ever feel that way in the Catholic church. At least at the one I attended, they were open about discussing their faith and acknowledged the possibility of other paths.

If you haven't read it yet, you might like The Art of Happiness. I found it very helpful in discovering how your spiritual life affects those around you and your perception of the world.

Answer 3

Some 'Christian' religions teach repetitive praying. The Bible itself, however, teaches that repetitive prayers have no part of true worship of the true God! The following articles give many more details ...

How Should We Pray?
http://watchtower.org/e/19960715/article_01.htm

"You Must Pray This Way" ...
The Lord s Prayer Its Meaning for You
- What Is God's Name?
- God's Will to Take Place on Earth
- Prayer and Our Physical Needs
- Our Prayers and Forgiveness
- Help to Pursue a Righteous Course
- Faith in God Essential
http://watchtower.org/library/w/2004/9/15/article_02.htm

Advanced Search (can be used to find future-modified URLs) http://watchtower.org/search/search_e.htm

Answer 4

Meditation is for the birds. It's virtually worthless. Life is hard no matter what you do. But I've found going to a church where the Bible is taught has helped me a lot. The Bible teaches that wisdom is the greatest thing you can obtain (other than salvation). And believe me, you won't obtain it apart from the Word of G_d.

Answer 5

I read a good article on this yesterday, called "Lone Ranger Christianity"

http://www.itiswritten.com/enewsletter/issues/issue2.4/loneranger/