so that the preachers. pastors . even the pope can live a very good life haveing all this money. you have to admit they have a good life with all the money.
2007-02-11 07:43:22 · 15 answers · asked by wofford1257 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
i have often said, if i had a circus tent and a way to move it around, i could retire in ten years simple by giving old style fire and brimstone sermons around the bible belt. so yes it is the worlds oldest con.
2007-02-11 07:49:00 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
Interesting question - thank you for asking it.
Here is my 2 cents:
For an organized religion to prosper and disseminate it's philosophy, there is the practical problem of expenses. To grow a congregation, there's the question about where to congregate and how to "spread the good news".
There's also to issue of the religious leaders, those who would have you think that their devotion to the philosophy is the reason that God blessed them with the "good life", therefore, if you follow the example, you too will have the "good life".
I believe in "paying it forward". I believe in leading a life by the teachings of those spiritually enlightened teachers as closely as I can make work with my realities. I give to those causes I believe are following the same path whether it is religious or not.
No, I don't think they exist just to collect money but the question is valid. What are the true reasons each exists? If a religion helps people be the best people they can be and helps serve God, I don't mind them getting the funds to help them do it. I DO NOT support those who do so by threat or intimidation. I am glad the ones who are in it for exploitation will get the Godless hereafter they believe in. My philosophy is that what you believe in life is what you get... then after you get over that, you get the truth...
2007-02-11 16:08:23 · answer #2 · answered by CJ 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have always had an issue with this. I was very impressed at how Jehovah's Witnesses and Muslims handle this. Witnesses have a place in the back of their Kingdom Hall where contributions can be made at any time. There is no pressure to donate a certain amount, and you can choose where your money goes (local congregation, district, or to world affairs). Muslims give alms equivalent to 2.5% of their income directly to the poor.
One day I visited the Presbyterian church near my house and they asked for donations 5 times in less than 2 hours. I wasn't prepared, ran out of money and felt like a jerk. The Baptist and Catholic churches were almost as bad. The emphasis on money turned me away from Christianity and I eventually stopped trying to find the Truth in their churches. The "Truth," in my eyes had to be paid for.
I have also researched Mormonism. They expect a hefty tithe from their members. I get upset when I see their beautiful temples... it's apparent where their money goes to.
I am sorry if I appear disrespectful, because I don't mean to be. I am simply stating what I have learned and experienced. I respect all beliefs, even if I disagree with their method of finance.
2007-02-11 16:03:19 · answer #3 · answered by ♥ terry g ♥ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
do you realize that Christian and church organizations have formed most charitable organizations in America, from st Jude's to things like, feed the children organizations?
i am from a small town so i don't know what the churches are like in other places but i can tell you that most pastors around here live in a small house if the church can even provide that and most have to have a second job just to get by. they truly do sacrifice their lives when they become a pastor. daily they are called upon from sick members,and favors,the needy, deaths, weddings, helping the community, etc........so many people want to dog the church but i can't see why when all they try to do is help.
the bible does tell us that false teachers will come, but i would advise that you pray and seek gods council on what church to attend and he will guide you to the right place.
2007-02-11 16:08:44 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some religions maybe *coughscientologycough*, but not all religions. Living a good life doesn't mean that they just want to extort everyone.
2007-02-11 15:46:39 · answer #5 · answered by Edit_Undo 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The money my Church collects stays at the Church, it pays for wages, repairs to the Church and local Schools and the rest is given to St Vincent De Paul
God Bless You
2007-02-11 15:49:42 · answer #6 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I don't think that's the only reason. I think another big reason is that some people are control freaks who want to run everybody else's life, and religion is one way to do it.
Unquestioning obedience is for slaves.
2007-02-11 16:18:17 · answer #7 · answered by catrionn 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't think that was the original intention, but I think many congregations have fallen to that. I believe human nature and a desire for power and greed will nearly always win.
2007-02-11 15:48:39 · answer #8 · answered by Jennie Fabulous 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Just the Christian belief. In Islam, we use the tithe to actually give back to the less fortunate, where the churches use the money to build more into the church itself.
2007-02-11 15:46:46 · answer #9 · answered by Maverick 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
IF you live for God, He will supply all of your needs. LIve without HIm and you will have to fend for yourself. Preacher, etc who teach the true word of God and live by them as well, will have a good life as promised by God.
Matthew 19:26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
2007-02-11 15:49:11 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 4⤋