What's your Religion?

I have a group of 3 guys who come to my campus to damn everyone to hell, and majority of the time they are removed by the police because things ALWAYS escalate.

They claim to be Christian but I do not consider them that. Ironically they damn everyone but the only people they really damn is themselves, and I don't mean that in just my view that they may go to hell, but in general damning of the self as well.

 

Well even if you had a god to tell you what your morals are, you still wouldn't have a choice... If God knows everything and everything happens according to His plan, he would know if you were going to face punch that person in the mouth bone or not, because it would be His will. Therefore, you wouldn't have a say in the matter, it would have been predetermined...

 

like christopher hitchens said "a celestial north korea"

 

You really seem like you have some built up aggression towards religion. You are trying to argue with me when I am saying you can do what you want. I don't want you or anyone else to follow a religion if they don't want to; so why do you care so much about what others do?

 

Well, one could argue that when it comes to religion, what other people do (namely the majority) directly affects others. If it directly affects me, I care.

Not trying to butt in on your convo though, just throwing an opinion out there.

 

Oh and I would think your parents or whomever raised you would teach you what is morally right?

 

I would argue that the majority probably could care less about what you do, therefore how does that affect you? Usually the radicals, not just in religion (politics, etc.), stand out because they talk the loudest, but are usually a minority. The majority of Muslims are not terrorists, but the radicals is what people think if when they think of Muslims. I agree with you in the loudest most extreme of anything are annoying as shit, but how do I affect you because I have catholic fundamentals?

If it does directly affect you, you should care, I just don't see how the majority affect you.
You are not burying in, I enjoy the convo. Although I believe in god, I too would love to rid society of the people who try to tell me/you how to live our lives.

 

100% dead on.

Now I'm not singling you out but no one has addressed how religion prays and exploits the ignorant, poor and those who are down on their luck. Thoughts?

 

I am guessing you refer to religious establishments taking advantage of people? I really don't see how any religion just prays on the weak in its own right. I would go as far to say that is human kind's flaw, not the religion itself. And I mean corruption, personal gain sought through exploits of religion, etc. Take for example Muslim terrorists who convince others to blow themselves up in the name of religion. OR take for example the corrupt Catholic churches that sent many to their imminent death in the result of calling for crusades. OR take for example the Romans who had Christians burned and killed to rid them so their political power could grow. It is not the religion, it is the horrible people that exploit. I am guessing that is what you mean by praying on weak and ignorant?

I see a lot of people blame religion for issues, when majority of the time it is the people who take up a religion and parade around negatively that cause issues. And there is no avoiding this, whether it has to do with the religious, agnostic, or atheist. There are ALWAYS bad people in a bunch.

 

It's interesting. 100% of the religious people start off with a statement then in the next paragraph try to justify it ne xt by skirting the aforementioned statement.

Let me see if I can use an analogy to convey my question.

People do not wakeup one day And say I want to find religion. Instead they wake up wanting help
Could someone tell us how the churches blind faith, lecturing, taking money from people that do not have much to spare, then sending the poor sole out the door with less money in his pocket and a Pat on the back is any different than a get rich quick scam? And no! It's not some churches. They all do it, from the evangelic on the corner to the mega church leaders. Don't even get me started on tax evasion..

 

Actually I will hit on tax evasion and the church. I know a few that have evasively told me they ”get Back everything they put into the church.” Wells no shit. It is a contribution to a charitable cause so it's a tax write off.. Nice taking those vacations or other perks you get for those ”Generis” and selfless contributions.. Yup! Good people.

 

I do believe both of you mean to use prey not pray on the less fortunate.

Now as far as the money is concerned, no church that I know of is going to kick you to the curb if you don't donate to the collections. It is recommended that you support the church just as you would a political party, otherwise it can't operate. I for one, to put it lightly, have not met my monetary goals for the church. I have probably donated enough to buy one bottle of water for holy water, if that.

 

Or maybe it was a pun?

 

Yes.

That Tim Tebow dude is "ignorant, poor and down on his luck"

 

I don't think I skirted the question, as everything was relevant on the subject I was describing. I don't understand why you think it is a get rich quick scam in ALL churches? You mentioned evangelical and mega churches, and of course corruption and greed can come into play in those circumstances.

I am with jjew18 on this one, for the most part no church forces you to donate anything. If you don't have the money then you are not obligated to donate. Maybe you are forced to donate until you are poor in southern rattlesnake baptist churches? And most genuine Christian people I know do not write it off on their taxes.

And again it is the PEOPLE not the religion. NO different than a environmentalist leader preaching to save a natural forest then taking donations and using it for his own benefit; it's the leader not the organization.

 

Sorry friend, but you are wildly misinformed. You speak in generalities and untrue stereotypes.

Although true that many who are "down on their luck"...struggling with addiction...poor...desperate...or otherwise don't fit into what society believes the norm...

most of those folks do not seek out help from the faithful...the faithful seek out those folks and try to help them.

Christians believe:
"One is never more like Jesus, than when he reaches out to help the hurt. poor, and lonely"


When Jesus was courted by the wealthy, the high priests, and the kings...he instead, chose to spend his time among the hurt, the sick, the poor, the prostitutes...and even the tax collectors, who were only doing their job but felt guilt from it.

 

On the issue of "wealthy churches"...

A "church" by Christian definition, is anytime 2 or more gather to worship.

A "church" in the literal or legal sense, is an institution...ran like a business. Think about it, someone has to build the structure...maintain the building(s)...orginize...plan...etc.

As a young lad, I myself wondered why churches did not have to pay property taxes on their properties...until I realized how important dollars are in helping others.

Would society rather these institutions pay tens (hundreds) of thousands of dollars to the government, or would society rather those monies go to help some poor inner city black child who has no dad in the home and could use a mentor, and maybe a few experiences outside his awful environment.

there are countless true stories of how a little help can, and has, raised desperate young people to reach lofty goals.

give a child a dream, and give him/her the environment to pursue those dreams...and we, as a people are much better for it.

personally, I'd rather the church (and other private charities) do it, than politicians & bureaucrats choose the winners and losers.

 

btw, the church we attend started in a rented store front. and now has grown to whay many would consider a "mega church" in a brand new state of the art building...with an alter that's really a concert stage, and yes...there are a couple large diamond vision screens for those in the "bleacher" seats.

www.destinyworshipcenter.com

The good work this "institution" does in our community, and missions around the world is 2nd to none.

I challenge ANYONE, believers or not...to come visit out church on a Saturday night or Sunday morning...

It is like attending a rock concert. The music is loud, inspiring and performed by highly professional musicians and singers. The place outright Rocks!!!

The service is 75-80% music. followed by a message from Pastor Steve, a young...hip...and easy to listen to man. He will make you laugh, make you cry...and ABSOULTLY make you think.

You can wear jeans, shorts & flip-flops, whatever. you can have snacks & coffee or soft drinks in the lobby cafe'...you can talk to folks about anything.

It's not "preachy", and the folks are real cool.

Will you become "born again" or become a follower of Jesus Christ...probably not if you are not already. but you will have an awesome time.

Have kids, there is a place for them...teens?...a program for them as well. And, if you are a young and single man/woman...there are hundreds of wonderful, beautiful and quality others there for you to get to know.

I know for sure...if I was a single 20-30 something man...my ass would be there grooving to the music and checking out the babes. Many of them are top notch attractive and dress to the nines.


OK...I'm getting off my pulpit this morning. gotta go work on the new house, brick layers are there today again, and I have inside work myself.

I'm a blessed man to have the time, talent, and resources to be able to do what I do. I credit God.

YMMV

 

I believe I answered your question in my post you quoted.