The Importance of the Tribe

The greatest obstacle to goodness in religion is the power and authority of the institution. So whether you are Catholic, or Mormon, Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, or Pagan, your loyalty should be to your family and to your church, not to some religious hierarchy whose influence spans the globe or the nation. Churches should be independent, meeting the needs of congregations, not satisfying or implementing the agendas of multination religious corporations.

Ethically, religion can have a wonderful influence on the family when it is used to promote honor and virtue in the individuals. But an individual should never be led to feel that it is their duty to stand up for and defend the authority of an institution. They should never feel that because their church believes in “God A” that all other churches that believe in “God A” are kith and kin to them.

The world is becoming more and more unified and universal. How do you feel that is working out for you and your family? How do you feel that is promoting your liberty, independence, and opportunity? While the power of the institutions gives us the illusion of security, real security is found in the independence and togetherness of the tribe, or the community. Yet, we keep handing over more and more power to unifying forces: federal and international governments, global corporations, and global religious institutions. Meanwhile, communities and families are falling into mediocrity and poverty.

Even if you profess no religion at all, it is in your community that you have the ability to create the most positive change and demonstrate your virtue and honor. If you have no virtue or honor, it is your community that will suffer most for it, beginning with your family and acquaintances.