In the town I live (in CT), there are 3 main houses of worship, a multi-million dollar synogogue (sorry for spelling), a multi million dollar Catholic church, and a 5 million dollar mosque that is being built by the muslim community. If religion is supposed to be about tolerance, acceptance, helping others, etc, then why do religious group WASTE so much money on their houses of worship? It sounds to me like the thought is "If we have the biggest most amazing house of worship, we can impress the most people and win them over to our religion". Shouldn't this money be spent on people that are in NEED, like these religions teach????
2006-10-16 14:01:37 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
MURF (answer below), I am not talking about that am I. I am talking about the waste of money when it comes to houses of worship. How many lives could have been saved, how many starving children could have eaten today, if your church didnt have that 200 ft steeple and bell tower?
2006-10-16 14:10:56 · update #1
they think that since god is so far away, they need to be big and flashy for him to notice them! After all he created his followers in his own image, and they are all easily distracted by shiny pretty things, so he must be as well
2006-10-16 14:22:05 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with this idea. As a christian when reading the book of Acts which is the account of the early church, the church met in peoples houses as some churches and home groups do today.
The true church is not a building but the true followers of Christ worldwide no matter what denomination or building they attend in.
Be aware that there are christian groups helping those in need but you may not hear about all these things as they are not broadcasting their good deeds because of the teaching in the bible that says when you are giving to do it in secret and your reward will be in heaven.
2006-10-16 14:07:58 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can't speak for other religions, but Mosque are supposed to be beautiful becasue it where we go to worship. Maybe people need the places of worships to do more good. what could you accomadate in a shack? Who would want to worship the almighty God in a shack? Futhermore, who would have money and built a house for themselves but let the community worship in a broken down building. Would you raise your children or bring them up in a broken down house. Do you think God is worth spending money on, building a beautiful place of worship where people can come and remember God and improve their lives.
2006-10-16 14:18:10 · answer #3 · answered by Muse 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree. there could be no explanation for this. the church food pantries where I live keep all of the meat and fresh vegetables for themselves or the church kitchen and ration out the outdated canned and boxed goods to the poor. I think that is a sin that should be accounted for.
2006-10-16 14:08:39 · answer #4 · answered by black orchid 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
your right, churches do go overboard with all the fancies of a building, but you should also remember that the place of worship should be special. Remember the temple in the bible was made of the riches of all of Isreal. If your not familiar with it, look at the materials that david collected for solomon to use.
2006-10-16 14:12:47 · answer #5 · answered by guy198 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
While we can worship God in any setting, even if we do not have money for an expensive Cathedral, anything that is done to glorify God is a good thing...And this includes dedicating money to building a house of worship. Consider the following Bible passage: "6While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, 7a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. 8When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. "Why this waste?" they asked.
9"This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor." 10Aware of this, Jesus said to them, "Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. " (Matt 26)
2006-10-16 14:08:44 · answer #6 · answered by whitehorse456 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Hm, tolerance? Jesus taught the opposite of tolerance. We as christians are not to practice religious tolerance, because there is only one way, one path, one lord who will bring us to heaven. We are supposed to be less tolerant and more aggressive. Spread the word! That's what we were told to do, eh? We werent to go out and experience other religions and see if they were better or more right. We were told to tell the truth of the one who is the son of God. So do it. Parade into the mosque, declare jesus is lord, you may just touch someone who is lost and looking.
2006-10-16 14:13:31 · answer #7 · answered by Your hero until you meet Jesus 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Bravo Nicholas! I've had the exact same thoughts about church and their elaborate buildings. I couldn't agree with you more and I'm glad to know I'm not the only one out there that sees through this garbage!
2006-10-16 14:15:10 · answer #8 · answered by chica_liss 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
heh... Yeah, many of us Pagans do not even build a facility, but use either a house (covenstead) or the mere nature around us as a place of worship.
2006-10-16 14:05:05 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The biggest mistake anyone can make is to think that people speak for religions, religions speak for themselves, and humans are full of error.
2006-10-16 14:09:58 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋