I was once at a panel discussion among Jews, Muslims and Christians. At one point, the Rabbi, in an effort help us to understand his tradition said " If you don't like organized Religion, join us - Judism is definitely not organized. He got a good laugh, mainly from the Jews in the room. He went on to describe Judism as an evolving religion with debate about beliefs encouraged.
It causes me to wonder if, indeed, vigorous exploration and debate is possible in an "organized" format. That is, is it necessary for a group to have "agreed upon" beliefs in order to provide a community and companionship and a viable search for God. Or are agreed upon believes part of what keeps churches and religious institutions stagnant, and actually avoid an evolving understanding of God.
And further - is it even possible to "believe" what one is told to believe, or does this build hypocrisy into the system. Hypocrisy in belief (often suppressed in oneself) in the pursuit of the other benefits of being part of a community that is otherwise comfortable.
