What Mormonism teaches me about religion

[RainDog]

27. How do you want to split it?

You're saying that, because, 50 years ago, people with no power outside of a particular social institution used that institution politically - then it's now okay for some of those same religions to pretend that creationism is valid? Sorry, but that doesn't work for me because a belief in creationism HURTS the people who are taught that belief and impacts their lives in negative ways - because it is the equivalent of cult-think. It must dismiss every bit of science over the last 100-plus years - that's harmful for people's educational advancement and their standing in society - b/c such a belief is a signifier for someone who has not critically examined evidence. The question then becomes... do creationist believers lack the capacity to understand the data or do they lack the capacity to question the status quo? Are either of those questions good ones for employers to ask? The only way such teaching doesn't impact someone's professional life is if that person segregates him or herself within a community that reinforces the belief.

Why are there "liberal/progressive" arms of institutions when the institution itself, again, at the level where power is exercised to control dogma, etc... why do those who know the dogma is bullshit continue to associate with the group?

Why not form a separate group with dogma that reflects their values? Why belong to a fundamentalist church if they teach lies about the very nature of reality (i.e. science?)

What value does such an institution have other than a social club?