[k9s9]

Religious institutions are in a very odd place these days.

They are on the front lines, in terms of contact with the weakest, poorest and most troubled members of society. They attract people who are suffering.

The growth and existence and passionate defense of religious institutions, despite all our advances, signal society isn't providing alternatives that perform the same function that contribute to well being and community.

The more religion gets attacked the less is focus on providing those alternatives. And those alternatives will come only with a deep understanding of what religion got right in dealing with human suffering.

[ch_123]

> They are on the front lines, in terms of contact with the weakest, poorest and most troubled members of society.

Indeed, and in many cases, exploiting them for their own benefits.

[exien]

Do you have any sources to back that up? I can't imagine what (beside altruistic) benefits would be received by donating time, energy, and money for the benefit of people who don't have it?