That, however, isn’t true. This is a case of throwing out the baby (the valuable church) with the bathwater (the corruption and empty religion).
Flawed, but Holy and Needed
It is true that the church has its issues. It makes sense, though. After all, it is filled with flawed and corrupt sinner people. We are selfish and greedy. We gossip and slander. We lust and steal and covet. When we gather with other believers, that behavior comes too.
However, our sinfulness is also why we need the church. We need each other’s encouragement. We need others to correct us when we go astray. We need to comfort each other. We need to hear the forgiveness of Jesus from each other. We need the church.
The church is not just some human institution like the rotary club.
It was created by God and Jesus is its head. God gave us the church because this life of faith can be hard and full of suffering.
Jesus told us that He would be there with us in the church. “Wherever two or three are gathered in my name, I am there.” (Matthew 18:20) He comes to us in the Word and sacraments He gave the church.
The church is precious and valuable. It is here so you don’t have to go it alone. You can walk with others who strengthen you.