Many people say that although they are spiritual they don't like "institutional or organised religion". Indeed, there is a strong anti-institutional culture amongst some. Perhaps the most extreme of this form of thinking was demonstrated in the attack on the Capitol in Washington last week. Donald Trump has always set himself up as being the anti-establishment candidate and the attack was perhaps the most profound challenge to the key institutions of the US in living memory.
Institutions can of course be forces of darkness and oppression. Totalitarian regimes oppressing their populations and multi-national companies exploiting workers or the environment for profit are just two examples.
Yet, institutions are necessary and important. They can be a source of light and hope. The NHS is an institution that we are rightly proud of in this country and is doing a fantastic job at treating people with Covid and rolling out the vaccine programme. Isn't it good to believe in 'institutional medicine.'?
Yes, the church as an institution has sometimes become too self-interested and self-concerned, obscuring the grace and truth of Christ rather than demonstrating it. However, at its best the church has brought the good news of Jesus Christ to cultures around the world and transformed the world in the process. Modern hospitals and schools have their roots in the work of the church and modern attitudes such as the equality of all people grew out of a Christian mindset.
Let's pray for the revival of our church in this country, that we can be a source of light for a world going through these dark times.
Join us this Sunday as we read about Jesus's encounter with the Jewish religious institution of the Temple. The reading is John 2:13-22.
