A few thoughts on organized religion?

[Haslam44]

Well I, like millions of others, was born and raised Catholic, and up until a few years ago, never thought twice about it. Now that I've started to think for myself, I'm beginning to see how dangerous organized religion is, and the effect it has on people.

One of the main things that got me away from the Catholic Church is this: Someone can live their whole life free of sin and the last minute sin, and if it's not "forgiven" by a higher up, they are going to Hell. On the other side, someone can live an entire life full of sin, but if they are "forgiven" by a higher up right before they die, they are saved. As soon as I heard this, I thought no, not the God I believe.

So, I've come up with a few thoughts on religion as a whole. I believe most people follow their religion blindly, and do so because they are being pumped full of fear. They know if they don't attend church, or pray, etc. they are going to Hell. They don't do it because they want to go to church, etc.
A little more...

They claim to be so religious and do all of these things simply because they want to be saved. The concept of heaven is a "safe haven" by which gives poeple a purpose in life, and they will do what they were brought up or told to get in. The God I believe in, isn't a God of fear. He is a loving God, and I belive, we are all a part of him. So for him to disown us, he would disown himself, which simply he wouldn't do. He did not make us imperfect, and then punish us for being such.

So, as for my religious beliefs, I've never been closer to God.
Lol Hazim, I guess it wasn't an out right question, but I'd like to see who else agrees or if you don't why?