Organized Religion

This is my view of organized religion. These don’t reflect my church’s views, my employer's view, my family, my friends, or even how I will view this subject in a few days, weeks or months. This is simply what I think or what I am learning right now.
i’ve had vague ideas that organized religion really isn't as great as people say, but i didn't ever do the research to find what i actually agree/disagree with. i want to have a balanced view, one that shows what is both good and bad, without attacking religion, or all people who are a part of "organized religion". So here it goes:
i once heard my pastor say that he hates coming to church on Sunday, because he's supporting a multi-billion dollar industry. That's what religion has become, an industry. i don’t think something that is presented as being as important as God and your relationship with him should ever be mistaken for an industry.
From what i’ve seen organized religion gives people more of an opportunity to teach/push their beliefs on other people. Having an opinion is good, teaching your opinion, as fact isn't. i've heard a lot of people teach their personal ideas as truth, that’s manipulating people, arguably a morally wrong behavior.
Another aspect of organized religion that i don’t agree with is all of the crazy, stupid things people do in the name of their God. Suicide bombers are just one example, but i think they’re a pretty good one. These people truly believe they are doing what their God has told them to do. Another dangerous part of religion is hate crimes. The KKK is an excellent example of this, these are people claiming to be Christians that believe that their God hates certain races of humans. How does that fit into “God so loved the world”?
What about the people that crucify themselves (not to death) to earn salvation? How about the physically dangerous pilgrimages people go on? They are intentionally setting themselves up to be hurt, in the name of their god.
People will gladly do stupid or dangerous things simply because they believe that it can somehow help them get closer to their god, or because it’s what their god tells them to do.
i do have to say tho, there are 3 things i like about organized religion: (1) it brings together like-minded people. i wouldn't have meet some of the people i admire, or consider my best friends if it weren't for my church. Our paths would have never crossed. (B) It has a consistent time. The meetings are always the same day of the week, at the same time. That's good for people like me, who have such a crazy schedule that trying to fit something in at different times each week would be next to impossible. and (Choo-choo train)* Almost all of the really compassionate, caring people i've met are a part of some kind of organized religion.
That's my opinion on organized religion. What's yours?


*It'll catch on, trust me (Skit Guys: Adam & Eve skit at Sent/Falls Creek Camp reference)

This is a really funny article i found, and i have to say it sounds like a pretty great idea to me http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/154203/the_religion_i_created_over_the_weekend.html?cat=34