What a great post! I found your insights to be very informative. I was raised Catholic and see such similarities between religious groups, like the Jehovah's Witnesses and others who have top down leadership such as; a pope, governing body, prophet, etc. , which they look to and are expected to follow. I also appreciate your thoughts concerning denominations. At one time I was a member of a religious group that prided itself on the fact that everywhere in the world the Sunday school classes were on the same lesson. This was pointed to as being better than all the variation of denominations of Christendom and proof they were the true Church. It wasn't until after I was saved I realized the difference between conformity and the unity with diversity that exists in the Body of Christ.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!