30 Days of Truth - Day 19: What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?

I think religion is a good thing.  Having faith and a strong moral core makes one a better person, in my book.  What I'm not too keen on is how organized religion today has twisted itself and it's message to suit their own needs... or how they have departed from God just to reach a larger audience.  The so-called mega churches seem to be more about outreach than working within their congregation.  I mean, how can a group of 6000 people hope to have the same fellowship with one another and the Lord as a church with only 500?  Now I am kind of using a very broad brush in painting all mega churches the same.  Some are not... some do still embrace the Word of God but most do not.

I think much of organized religion today has turned into fundraising bake sales to further their own outreach programs.... to gain more members... to gain more donations... to reach further... in a vicious circle.  And now that the economy has foundered, they are outright ASKING for money to keep their outreach and mission work alive.  At some point, you have to cut programs and slash missions in foreign nations... so that those programs and congregations at home are funded properly.

As far as politics go, I use to be fairly in-line with the democratic party.... even though I was brought up in a staunchly conservative household and originally registered as a Republican when I was first allowed to vote.  But after emerging into the person I am today, I started following politics more closely and realized that the Democratic way of thinking was more in line with the direction I thought the country should be going.  I even voted for Obama.

But now... I've begun to re-evaluate that position as well.  I find myself more in an independent mind.  I don't necessarily agree with either agenda as neither has the best way of handling everything.  And I HATE that the sides stick together.  I much prefer the independent... the one who votes based on his own thinking, not what the party says to do.  I agree with the Democrats on many things... gay rights, the environment, and others.  But I also side with the Republicans on a few things too.... Immigration, Government Spending, etc.  So right now both sides are annoying me to no end.