Institutional religion and their leadership

Mehdi Maghsoodnia
2 min readMar 30, 2023

Religious institutions have been a part of human society for thousands of years, serving as the centers for spiritual guidance and moral teachings. However, in most cases, the structure of these institutions has led to the emergence of religious leaders who are more focused on political power than spiritual guidance. The institutionalization of religion over the centuries has resulted in the creation of a class of leaders who use religion as a tool for political gain, rather than as a means of promoting individual and collective spiritual growth. This trend is clear and it is getting stronger as few religious institutions have created an oligarchy in the business of spirituality.

One of the reasons why religious leaders have become more political in their behavior and role is the hierarchical structure of many religious institutions. Religious leaders are often placed in positions of authority, and their power is often reinforced by the reverence and respect accorded to them by their followers. This hierarchical structure can create a culture of deference and obedience that can be easily manipulated by leaders with political ambitions.

Furthermore, religious institutions are often closely intertwined with the political establishment, making it difficult for religious leaders to remain neutral in political matters. Many religious institutions have a long history of collaborating with political authorities, and in some cases, religious leaders have played a direct role in shaping political policies and…

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