Yes , l did read the title but honestly if you see ' don't read this ' don't you just have to ? : )
You are right that l do not belong to a high control group and if l choose to not go to church on Sunday l ain't in trouble . I am free to choose my level of involvement . Many Anglicans are hatchers , matchers and dispatchers , attending only christenings , weddings and funerals .
I take your point about the high control groups but l would say that having control over other people isn't something unique to religious groups . Communism and Fascism are political ideologies that are based on control .
The desire for power by control is a human condition . Even in a workplace situation bosses will feel " good " if they have complete control over their underlings.
In schools there are teachers who like the feeling of total control over their pupils .
Some see control as a necessity for the greater good , as in Communism , or just feel better about themselves as individuals if they can instill fear in others.
Control by one human being over another isn't love and l agree it has no place in Christianity but unfortunately human beings are faulty and don't act as they should , in all areas of life .
Jan