The Radical Resurgence

“Organized religion is a sham and a crutch for weak-minded people who need strength in numbers.” – Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura

When Jesse Ventura, Minnesota’s outspoken Governor, made the above comment during an interview with Playboy Magazine, many “religious leaders” were quite incensed. The following contains the content of a letter to Governor Ventura by Jon Zens that reflects a somewhat different response …

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Dear Governor Ventura,

“Organized religion is a sham and a crutch for weak-minded people who need strength in numbers.”

These words created quite a stir! Not a few religious leaders rebuked you, tried to defend today’s religious organizations, and encouraged you to find out more about faith-based groups. I’d like to share with you my perspectives on your remarks, which probably come at things quite differently than what you’ve heard from other religious sources. I have wished to write you in hopes of inviting you to consider what the gospel of Jesus Christ is really about, minus the accretions and aberrations of what you called “organized religion.”