Mormons... are so strong, they can handle wealth, they are confident. I think it is because they are not bogged down by rules for equality, but have a firmly defined system of relative status and responsible command.

If people want to compete for leadership of a religious group, they can compete in piety. A chilling thought. Or funny.

Yes, disappointment over perceived unfairness, injustice, promises not kept, tends to go hand in hand with increasing prosperity. Expectations are dashed. What can I say!

It's unlikely that the organized religions will get more sectarian... or is it? I am not at all sure.

Hierarchy works well in a stable environment.

It is very reasonable to worry about the harm done by organized religion, and to prefer looser and more private arrangements.

Pretensions to moral superiority are devastatingly destructive.