Organized religion is alive and well in America.(Knight Ridder Newspapers)

Why should anyone care about organized religion?

Readers from at least 10 states are still sending me their responses to a woman who told me she was fed up with it and could see no reason to join.

Last week, I printed comments from several readers who listed everything from a need to experience community, to the mandates of the Bible to meet together, to a desire to serve others as reasons they believe organized religion is important. This week, I'll share some more.

Thanks to everyone who sent me such thoughtful letters and e-mails. It's gratifying to know that organized religion is alive and well in America.

John Baize of Hillsboro, Kan., said he isn't surprised by any lack of interest in organized religion.

"It may be surprising for most Americans to learn that the values upon which this country was founded, i.e., individualism and personal freedom, are not the primary values of Christianity," he said.

Making these values absolutes, he said, creates "cultural and ecclesiastical chaos."