Is a church considered a social institution?

Question

Is a church considered a social institution?

Answer 1

It certainly is.  Normally it is the source of our belief systems and in every country it has the most important influence on our behaviour.

So even though we may not believe it's principals,  most in our community do.  So it dictates what and who we are.

Answer 2

Not in my book.

They don't pay taxes, but you'd never catch me mingling with the hypocrites that attend them.