CLC

@ Amos

Yes, nicely said that it is mostly the religious system that has been corrupted with religious leaders; but…in a sense…., even portions (maybe even the majority?) of God’s Church has been corrupted in that they believe in these men akin to a belief in an infallible God (Note, for example, Nick on that other blog who refused to see the fallacies in Piper’s teaching to abused wives simply because he sees all his other teachings as wonderful) . They look up to these men as speaking the Words of God, failing to follow the prescription to test every prophesy. They adhere to the notion of hierarchy. They invoke these men and their endorsements as if they were God. (“Happy” Promise Keeper)
They look to men rather than the Holy Spirit to guide them in their view of the Scriptures and the application of God’s instructions on our lives because they have gotten the impression all their lives that other “qualified” people know what the Bible says better than the Bible. (That or they don’t want to have to bother reading the Scriptures. Depends on the person.)

Like it or not, good portions of God’s bride have been wooed away by “servant leaders”. Institutionalized religion cannot stand without, at least, a portion of the backs of God’s bride to use as a foundation.
Unless….that is….one wishes to characterize those who partake in hierarchy as not being part of God’s Church….. I’m not willing to make that leap.

But, yes, much of God’s Church is going the way of Israel and following idols.

Again, wonderfully wise words.