The ministers, even in the Bible Belt?
2007-09-28 05:10:55 · 13 answers · asked by Gypsy Gal 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Senior Citizens
Simple:
There is no place so high that we can't fall down.
2007-09-28 05:18:53 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
When I first started inquiry into becoming a Catholic I took lessons from a Father McEvoy in Milwaukee. He said something which fits these events: "When I speak of the Holy Catholic Church, does it mean that all Catholics are Holy? No. The true test of the Church is that it has existed two thousand years despite the best effort of its popes, cardinals, bishops, priests, nuns, brothers and laity to tear it down".
Yes, there has been a lot scandal regarding the contact between priests and altar servers. But, a lot of those cases are not based on fact. One young man made accusations against the Archbishop of Chicago some years ago, saying that the Archbishop had molested him at some seminary. When the video footage of the accuser turned up, showing him throwing the communion host on the ground at Saint Patrick's Cathedral during a demonstration by a pro-gay rights group, the law suit quietly went away.
2007-09-28 12:56:01 · answer #2 · answered by desertviking_00 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am afraid you will find my NOT one of the faithful...I have no trust or use for 'men of clothe." They prey on our most basic fear, death, by selling us "life everlasting." And for course, there is a fee for the service. They hide behind their robes, calling all in their "cult," sinners, yet it is they, often who are doing the deeds...it is one of those, "do as I say, not as I do" things, I am sure. And of course, they are very sorry when they are caught, crying here, bawling "I have sinned." Well, duh! The only thing these people have ever been sorry about is being caught! Look no further than TBN! Unfortunately, this is based in my home town, Costa Mesa, CA...it is a monstrous enclave of land, buildings, and MONEY! They hire a bank of very high priced lawyers, annoy the hell out of the entire city, TAX FREE! , are abusive as hell to the neighborhood, own half of Newport Beach, have a 220 foot Yahct so big it is anchored off shore and tended by a 110 foot yacht! In fact, Orange County is home to 3 of these monster churches...Saddleback has grown to about 50,000 membership and collects more money than the State Government, own mega acres TAX FREE ! And, if anyone in the US thinks, even hints that their church does NOT influence politics, they are out of their minds! The influence is subtle..I will give them that, but it is always based on how much money they will save or get with which power that will be...
I am a very spiritual person. I believe in God..but not the God this bunch pushes! The time is LONG past that all this power is not taxed, just as you and I pay taxes! Why can a church own vast fortunes and not pay taxes on the ownings? This is supposed to be a land of Separation of church and State...yeow, right! All of us pay those taxes for them, believers or not! And this type of taxation is not only unfair, it should be illegal!
Jennyann, you have got me going this morning..you have hit a real nerve here.
I know I will be the most unpopular person on this site for this response, but .... if the truth bothers others, such is life. !
2007-09-28 12:46:22 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Priests and Ministers are different categories of Christian. Priests are normal Catholic men who have a heavy burden put on them. To solely devote oneself to religion acting in the faith of God, without easy 'outs' that ministers, rabbis, vicars get (ie, marriage). They act out sometimes, but the so called epidemic is just a blown up sensationalism TV creation.
Ministers are men who have an easier burden. They can marry, own businesses, and thus, are able to dally in the normal temptations of life.
2007-09-28 12:18:33 · answer #4 · answered by ro_buddi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because they got into their line of work for the wrong reasons - maybe to cover up something about themselves that they felt was lacking. Or, they weren't cut out to be a priest to begin with. As time passed, they made mistakes which revealed this, and disappointed people. We hold our priests up to high standards, and they are only human.
Not everyone can be a rocket scientist, or a teacher... and not everyone who wants to be a priest should be a priest.
2007-09-28 12:21:07 · answer #5 · answered by boots6 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In my opinion, their falling from grace is not new and has been going on for eons....we just live in an era now where communications/media/word of mouth bring it to life sooner and louder.
No particular religion is immune nor does one have higher rates of abuse than another....both in monetary abuse; spritual abuse; and physical/sexual abuse...not to mention often mental abuse.
I have not been a member of organized religion since college days, although I am a deep believer in God and attempt to follow a sane, fair, responsible, kind and considerate way of life.
I have friends who have 'been saved' in the past ten years and who unfortunately no longer 'speak' in the ways of yesterday...we can't have fun conversations; debate; some times get 'offcolor', etc...as they are deeply seeped into rigid interpretations of what a Christian is and do not hesitate to let you know.
When I ask WHY they will tithe 10% of the pitiful income they now have, they insist it is required by GOD. Ha!
Now don't get me wrong - if one belongs to a community oriented church where the minister does not wear his parishioners donations on his back, in his home or drives it...where everyone seeks to better neighbors and help out those less fortunate...etc....then by all means, help out if you can.
2007-09-28 13:00:52 · answer #6 · answered by sage seeker 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As an Atheist my personal observation is that a lot of Christians, probably other beliefs too, but my experience is with Christians, and a lot of them, especially the real religious ones, have an either/or personality. For them in betweens do not exist. They either have to be down on their knees praying or out there "sinning." They cannot comprehend an intermediate lifestyle.
2007-09-28 13:22:52 · answer #7 · answered by geniepiper 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Reminds me of the parable of the Wheat and the Tares in Matt. 13:24-30. Jesus said "the tares are the sons of the wicked one - Satan" which were the unsaved religious leaders of His day. You will find in most churches children of God and children of the Devil.
2007-09-28 15:25:40 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Strong inner personal identity and trying to live lives in conflict with their natural desires do to social presure. One can run from themselves, but they cannot hide.
2007-09-28 13:47:05 · answer #9 · answered by Ray T 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because they are human. As the car sticker says "Christians aren't perfect, just forgiven" That lets me out then!
2007-09-28 12:16:28 · answer #10 · answered by Yoda 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
lack of nookie. if the pope would ease up and let the catholic priests marry, it might not be as bad.
2007-09-28 18:26:45 · answer #11 · answered by racer 51 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋