A wooden plank that bridges empty space can hold a certain amount of weight before it breaks. Let’s say 25 pounds. Would two planks, placed one on top of the other, break at 50 pounds? No, it actually requires more than 50 pounds to break them.
This is synergy. The sum of the parts is greater than the individual parts. It happens all over in nature -- a forest has stronger and healthier trees than a tree standing alone.
In the same way we are stronger as members of an organized religion than if we were not.
Alma articulates the benefits that members of organized religion receive:
- burdens lightened
- comfort from others
- encouragement to be strong
- learn the things of God
- know God’s words through his prophets
- unity with others
- access God’s power and authority
- share when you have, receive when you have not
- temporal well-being safety net
My friend who believes in God but thinks organized religion is too much work is missing out on many blessings and benefits – I hope he will reconsider.
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