A lot of large churches are so focused on themselves, their congregations, and money that they've lost focus of the mission of Christ. Not all of them, mind you, but a lot of them. What could/should be done about it?
SARCASTIC, HARMFUL AND DEGRADING ANSWERS WILL BE DELETED. I'M NOT WORRIED ABOUT POINTS.
Thank you! :)
2006-08-11 04:34:19 · 21 answers · asked by corkymusic 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Join that church. And get involved in its leadership. And be the change you want to see in the world (Ghandi said that last part).
Without doing that, seriously, how else willl it change?
2006-08-11 04:36:46 · answer #1 · answered by Rjmail 5 · 4⤊ 2⤋
I don't exactly know which church your talking about but I know some of the large T.V. ones are just in it for the money. It surprises me just how many still follow these after some have been convicted and thrown in jail!
I am LDS and I once heard that if they gathered all their assets and separate companies they have holdings in that they would be on the fortune 500 list as one of the richest companies. They have their own welefare program and give help to anyone no matter what background they are from. They do have limits as to what they will give and try to help the people get back on their own feet as quickly as possible. Maybe if the Government worked that way we wouldn't be in such debt.
Think of this. The gonernment forces taxes and can collect anywhere from 10 to 30% of your income. Not to mention tax on food, gas, everything! And they are Trillions in debt! The Church only ASKS for 10% Some give more, Some less. Yet they are never in debt. Some churches struggle but they also pay their pastors who sometimes do not have to report that income for taxes!
2006-08-11 04:57:52 · answer #2 · answered by nooodle_ninja 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
This happens in small churches as well. I think prayer is the only thing that will help. Churches like this need to know the Truth. But not all large churches are this way. I go to a mega-church of 8,000 people but money seems to be the least of their concerns. They often put off taking up the offering until the very last thing, after a bunch of people have already left (after taking communion). Sometimes people are prejudiced against large churches and suspicious that they are doing something to draw all those people. Well, sometimes they are. My church loves people. They teach the truth in a loving way. People are hungry for that. That's why 8,000 people brave the traffic and crowds to be there every Sunday.
2006-08-11 04:39:55 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
They should take away their collection plate and their tax free status. That should do it. How can they can clear corruption from the churches when it's full of politicians and political operatives? Religious leaders have received payola for spreading the conservative gospel. Look at the case of Ralph Reed and the christian coalition. Until the temple is cleared of the Ralph Reed's of the world, sitting there in the pews, grabbing money out of the collection plate, corruption will not depart from the church.
2006-08-11 04:57:53 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The sad part about the world we live in is that if LARGE AMOUNTS OF MONEY ARE INVOLVED, THERE WILL ALWAYS BE SOME TYPE OF CORRUPTION. Money is the root of Corruption. I think that Corporate Church Corruption will never go away unless a Church wants to stay small & private. But you have some Pastors that try to make it there goal to make there Churches bigger & better and that's were money & corruption comes in.
2006-08-11 04:40:22 · answer #5 · answered by Tony 1 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I don't think anything can be done, sweetie. The wheat and tares will grow together until the end. Maybe some churches have more tares than wheat. I've also seen that churches attract the leadership that fits them. If there is no depth, or true commitment to Christ, or spiritual life, then the church will substitute something else in its place.. Its sad, but it happens.
2006-08-11 04:41:02 · answer #6 · answered by novalee 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Honestly, the best answer is to stop going to these MEGACHURCHES. I've been there and believe me, they are way off track in more than just 1 area. Preaching on wealth and money, speaking doctrines that come from their own beliefs and not from the Bible.
2Pe 2:19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.
Go to a home fellowship. Much safer.
2006-08-11 05:06:11 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
i personally think that a combination of greed for money and power is what causes these churches to lose their focus. it's extremely sad because a lot of innocent people get sucked in, giving away their money to what I see as a lost cause.
so what do we do? personally, I don't know if it can really be stopped and you can't ask the government to interfere because then we'd be contradicting our demand to keep church and state seperate. i think that all we can do is to not be afraid to voice our opinions about the issue. but don't do it in a way like many bible thumpers try to impede their opinions. for those who are not in the church, lead by example. prove to these people that we are capable of these "christian values" without the christianity. make them see that we non-believers are not all heathens and that we do have the ability to lead a very "normal", sucessful, loving, and noble life.
this is just my opinion but I loved your question. hope you find the answer that you're looking for
2006-08-11 04:40:50 · answer #8 · answered by Lady D 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well being that State and Government regulate those kinds of things and churches are tax exempt.
The only way to regulate it, is for the people who follow after these kinds of organizations to smarten up and leave them high and dry!
People need to use their wisdom. I would much rather tithe to a bum in the street to uphold God's law than a corrupt "In the name of God." organization any day. As long as you are following after the law, it doesn't matter how you go about doing it, unless of course if it hurts or takes away from anyone for selfish needs....
How COULD that bless God? Or anyone for that matter BUT the crook. That is totally missing the mark!
2006-08-11 04:41:16 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Jesus made a whip of cords and drove them out of the temple.
He said in effect that they had made worship into a business.
It is the same today.
You don't really think that all of these pastors really believe do you?
It is a business and there is one church that is the richest in the world.
They even have their own bank.
This particular church has moved from the worship of God to the worship of itself.
It has done a lot over the years to perpetuate itself.
I ought to know I was a member of it.
As to your question.
Best I can do is suggest that you pray for the return of Jesus and let Him take care of it. If He whacked them then, I think He'll do the same now.
A lot of people stopped believing in Jesus because of these churches.
They throw out the baby with the bath water.
Keep the baby, throw out the bath water.
2006-08-11 04:48:58 · answer #10 · answered by chris p 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Unfortunately all organized religions are corrupt corporate organizations. If a god existed, the last thing it would ever need is money.
As with any other corporate business they are for profit not for helping people and as such should be taxed as any other corporation.
Furthermore they are using their ill gained profits to corrupt the American government pushing it towards being a theocracy.
2006-08-11 04:38:22 · answer #11 · answered by sprcpt 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋