The Responsibility of Individualism

"To act on behalf of a group seems to free people of many of the moral restraints which control their behavior as individuals within the group."

-F. A. Hayek, The Road to Serfdom

Though Dr. Hayek is more concerned with the formation of politico-economic movements, I believe that this sentence applies to far too many religious groups also. I was reminded, specifically, of certain Episcopalian dioceses decisions to join African episcopacies instead of branching off on their own. (And I support the move of these American churches to break away from their progressive overseers in this country.) I must say that their decision to join a conservative congregation which is, arguably, as morally compromised is unfortunate, but, while keeping in mind the truth of Dr. Hayek's assertion, it is hardly surprising.