Religion is fearful of truth, like a thief in the night it comes in when the lights are out and take while others remain asleep.

Metaphors aside, religion started as a cult ... like grand movements in art, one offs and small groups and scant number of followers yet, when success in numbers enters the back door out the front door the "organized" religion unfolds. A politized arm of where the power reins and the little people have no place to hide. And over time, truths are bunk. What matters is how fear can be momentarily abated and the rest, "in God's hands" as the self knees, abdicating the genuine self. Small minds now believing they are safe. If that isn't abuse then what is? Now pass the offering plate.

Thank you for your thoughts. Clear of mind, solid premises and an argument with grit.