when they are supposed to represent the words of Jesus Christ who said that all the wealth should be given to the poor and He just owned a simple outfit and didnt want to distinguish from the crowd?
Arent they Big HYPOCRITES?
2006-12-23 07:40:49 · 6 answers · asked by girl24gr 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Most ministers just wear a suit. Are you talking about the Catholic Church? Do you realize how much money and valuable property the Catholic Church has? I've never understood this either, even though they do spend a good deal of money on programs that benefit the poor people of the world. You can't say they're living in poverty. And you can't say that about any of the televangelists, either.
2006-12-23 07:45:46 · answer #1 · answered by Bad Kitty! 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's to give them a psychological advantage over their 'flock.' A person dressed simply or humbly doesn't inspire the same awe that a person dressed magnificently does. The different hats have symbolism as well, but many of them also make the person wearing them look taller. In some cases much taller. In either the human or animal world, larger, taller creatures tend to have a physical or psychological power advantage.
The designs of churches and cathedrals are also meant to create a sense of awe, and they succeed very well. I'm an atheist, and I find the architecture and accompanying atmosphere it creates in many churches and cathedrals to be quite awe-inspiring. Not least of all because so many of them were built during times of great hardship among the people whose money built them. They are frequently huge spaces, some hugely ornate as well.
I agree, the enormous wealth amassed by religious organizations does seem a bit, well...vulgar and hypocritical. But that's only if you take Jesus's teachings literally, of course!
2006-12-23 08:07:44 · answer #2 · answered by functionary01 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Read the old testament and witness the very particular and ornate manner of dress that God prescribes for the levitical priests of that time.
And they were not even operating in the actual presence of the almighty.
Catholic priests encounter the real presence of Jesus Christ at every service.
They even "stand in" for him, until he arrives.
When you represent the one, true God in an earthly version of a heavenly and eternal liturgy, God demands that you dress properly for the occassion.
And you might remember that Jesus actually scolded Judas for complaining about the expensive ointment that he said was being "wasted" on Jesus.
God deserves every bit of respect, reverence, and worship that we can give him.
The Catholic Church ... the only church that Jesus ever founded ... knows this, and faithfully serves God in this way, according to his express will.
Get over it, Judas!
2006-12-23 10:32:14 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
The heads of SUPPOSED Christian Churches might.
TRUE CHRISTIANS have but one head--JESUS THE CHRIST!
http://www.toughlove.faithweb.com/find_a_true_christian_church.htm
2006-12-23 07:43:32 · answer #4 · answered by whynotaskdon 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are confusing a particular church with all Christians. Catholics dress up in fancy robes. TV evangelists wear expensive suits.
Our ministers (Baptist) just wear business suits on Sunday AM, and sport shirts and slacks the rest of the time. Don't generalize. We aren't all like that.
2006-12-23 07:50:13 · answer #5 · answered by guitar teacher 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
"Seek ye first the kingdom of God and *all these other things* will be added unto you"
Rid yourself of envy. Its a sin.
2006-12-23 07:47:35 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋