Logically, I cannot understand how followers of any religion can have such unwavering and blind faith in religious texts and practices and not question any corruption or contradiction . It seems that most true believers exchange their critical thinking skills for exchanging feelings of group belonging, becoming the metaphorical and literal sheep. One of my favorite quotes was on a plaque in my high school history class that said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” I am convinced that religious people do not remember the corrupt leadership of the past and continue to repeat the same mistakes following the same leadership style, like sheep led to the slaughter. I believe organized religion may look good on paper, but when humans get involved, manipulation is used to satisfy their religious leaders' lust for greed and power, which contradicts the very beliefs the religion was founded on . Many religious founders seemed to practice what they preached, however, once they die, the leadership that follows them seems to take the path of corruption in order to maintain or gain further power (Armstrong, 2002). Historically, wars have been fought, tasks committed, other religions persecuted, lands conquered, and even beliefs have changed over time to suit the needs and desires of the current leader over the common good of his or her own people (Esposito, 2011). These corruptions are not unique to the Old Testament era; even current religious leaders abuse power. I remember the headlines I've read on Yahoo News over the years about Christian televangelists who have stolen money from church donations or committed adultery, to Catholic priests who have sexually assaulted... in the middle of the paper... of that religion that it refers to parts of me that I care about. If we all had a better understanding and connection with each other, then we would get closer to understanding and peace between all people, regardless of their tribal affiliation. References Armstrong, Karen (2002) Islam: A Short History New York: RandomHouse, Inc., ISBN-13:978-0-812966-18-3;Esposito, John L. (2011). What Everyone Needs to Know About Islam, 2d. New York: Oxford University Press, ISBN-13: 978-1-60927-041-4Robinson, B.A. (2008) Native American Spirituality. Native American beliefs, from the Arctic to the Southwest. Religious Tolerance.Org. Retrieved from http://www.religioustolerance.org/nataspir3.htm on February 22, 2012.White-Kaulaity, M. (2007). Reflections on Native American Reading: A Seed, a Tool, and a Weapon. Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literacy, 50(7), 560-569.