Some say that prostitution is the "oldest profession." I'm not sure that the ministry isn't the oldest. Clearly, in the "old days" people couldn't read and write, and, only the priests were taught to read and to write. Hence, only the priests could interpret scripture, such as it then was, for their subjects. Over the years, those interpretations/teachings have become structured so as to divide the population against itself, all the while preserving the revered place of the priesthood in whatever form it is presented.

In reality, it's just a business, selling a message, just like selling shoes. It (organized religion) behaves similarly, regardles of the religion promoted. Have you noticed the gradual disappearance of "poverty" among the clergy?

Once upon a time, the clergy was educated and poor. Now, the clergy drive the nicest cars, live in the biggest houses, and commit the biggest outrages. They've figured out that most people are afraid of people smarter than the average, so they speak in simple, even crude terms, so folks won't fear them.

Nevertheless, it's just a way of getting between the working man and his sheckels without having to do any work.

Gutenberg made it possible for men to read and interpret the scriptures for themselves. Martin Luther freed us from the notion that a priesthood was necessary in order to do that for us. Why do we need organized churches? We can be spiritual without supporting a population of drones.

RE