So apparently we have churches so that the poor can feel closer to god? Couldn't people do that in a slightly less expensive biulding? Like, I don't know, a nicely renovated barn? Then you could use all of your surplus cash to actually help people.
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=As_lI9q7TgTZLlNRpsbfUeHsy6IX?qid=20060930161357AAxbvbz
2006-09-30 12:26:22 · 13 answers · asked by Devil'sadvocate 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
In a free market, nothing works if there is no money in it. There is an image to project, and growth to be grown.
A non-profit org has the same problem with any business when it comes to the annual budget -- to grab a bigger piece of the pie. It is a misconception of the outsiders that if they don't see the MM$ church, then there is no need for MM$ expenses. Also, the church is almost like a country club for the rich to establish business contacts. Business owners have always been the paying patrons, so the church works to please them -- to keep the MM$ coming in year after year. (Ie. To facilitate the business networking activities of clients -- Oops! I meant members.)
That's a capitalist church alright. Business oriented even without someone fudging the numbers or going off the deep end with questionable expenses.
So much for Christians. Of course some one would come along and says those are not real Christians. Well frankly I cannot tell the differences, they worship the same "God", say the same prayers, read the same book, goes to the same churches, have the same friends and preach the same thing.
2006-09-30 14:51:11 · answer #1 · answered by : ) 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It doesn't say that in the Bible. The only mention of building churches in the old testament for Solomon's temple and the tent that house the Arc of the Covenant was very specific.
The earliest manuscripts actually seem to indicate the Christian churches/practices should be done in the home, and get this, the woman of the house would be like the preacher.
Check out the Nag Hamadi scrolls or Dead Sea Scrolls, Pista Sophia, Gnostic Gospels.
It doesn't say that preachers should wear enormous hair wigs either.
2006-09-30 12:39:07 · answer #2 · answered by Yahoo 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You sound like Judas one of Christ's disciples who was complaining about the expensive perfume the woman was anointing Jesus' feet with Luke 7:38 he said the perfume could be sold for a lot of money to give to the poor, but his real motive was if he could get his hands on it, for himself. He was a thief. Many of us are poverty minded and cannot accept or see someone else prospering. Do you live in a barn, whether nicely renovated or not? Do you complain about the many mansions that the movie stars have? What about the men and women in government or what about the honest hard working civil servant who has accomplished or working towards their goals of some day having the house, car, plane or boat of their dream? You see when you talk about 'surplus cash to actually help people', what you really mean is giving the people hand outs instead of showing them how to earn a dollar. I go to a very large church and we do not encourage poor mentally people like yourself, we train people, by first renewing their minds and second to be tenacious, going after their God given talents. You sound like a Democratic.
2006-09-30 12:49:53 · answer #3 · answered by charmaine f 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
it quite is a logical outgrowth of the "extra is extra desirable" mentality. Or conversely, it quite is a effect of a nicely-liked theology. i think of Joel Osteen has a super church because of the fact he has a message human beings desire to pay attention, not any incorrect way around. Conversely, having a super church would desire to be considered as advertising you purely can't purchase by way of the different skill. If the objective is to unfold the message, and there is not any thank you to evade understanding in regards to the enormous church only outdoors of city, nicely, 0.5 your job is already achieved. Even mainline church homes have some cult advantageous properties - they won't actively attempt to evade you from leaving, working example, yet there is guilt/shame/and so on. So i might say it quite is cultish, only not very lots so.
2016-10-18 06:46:35 · answer #4 · answered by freudenburg 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
IAs I recall Jesus did most of His teaching outside in the open with no roof over Him except the one His father provided. The only temple (church) that we really need to keep in the utmost of glory to the Lord is our bodies. And I suppose multi-million dollar bodies would be extravagant to say the least but you can at least try to make sure you feel like a million bucks and your temple is as well maintained as a muti million dollar temple should be.
2006-09-30 12:32:08 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
there is nothing saying a Church has to be a big expensive building to worship in. however, the bigger the Church and the more lavish the decor the more people may think this Church may have
" something special " going for it. personally would rather see a good sermon than hear one.
2006-09-30 12:30:29 · answer #6 · answered by Marvin R 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
personally i dont think the multi-million dollar buildings are the issue. i think it is the things going on inside those buildings that arethe issue (i.e. having to show your w-2 to become a "member" of the church)... so are you telling me that if you cant afford to pay your tithe you also should neot be allowed to worship
2006-09-30 12:30:42 · answer #7 · answered by Justin 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I believe it's briefly mentioned in the book of Hypocrisy.
2006-09-30 12:28:39 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
It doesn't, it says exactly the opposite, to find a still, small, quiet place and to pray alone and discretely
2006-09-30 12:28:31 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Some people will take all your cash and ask for more.
2006-09-30 12:27:52 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋