People like to be stupid.

Of course, taken factually this is untrue.  In a physiological sense most humans have the capability for great levels of thought.  However, the argument is that people would rather be told what to do, then think of a solution themselves.  This is visible in many many aspects of our society, and really has become entrenched into how we do things.

It’s just so much easier to be stupid.  Call it laziness or maybe apathy, but if we (the society) don’t have to read another article, or try another approach, or consider another solution to xyz problem – we don’t.  If there is a system in place that semi-functions, we often don’t even question its effectiveness or efficiency.

There are many examples of this.  Politics is the elephant in the room, but other examples include: cars (transportation in general), energy and environmental and economic policies, city design and infastructure, living and housing arrangements, materialism, and of course religious institutions.

If people don’t want to (and as a result of apathy – cannot) think critically, then truly a system where the congregation holds the pastor accountable will not work.  They will be sheep, listening, waiting, and eating when they are told to.

I still think these are great ideas, but they will only apply to a very small percentage of church attendees.