All I wanna know is where is the alter boy.... That is all I think about anymore when I hear Catholic church. I think meth dealing, lil boy diddling lying POS priests.
Whole lot of hate in this thread. I don't understand it all but will continue to be a faithful Catholic. Someday we'll all know the truth. May God bless you all whether you want Him to or not.
No doubt, that's why I said in an earlier post that I feel like it's not just the Catholic Church that has turned so many people away from faith. They just seem to be leading the way.
It's no different then being a sucker and giving your money to the local evangelical shyster every Sunday. The imagery is different but the result same. I am leery of any one that turns religion and God into their profession.
I have no animosity at all towards any Catholic or the Catholic Church, but this post hits very near to one of the things that I've never agreed with regarding the faith. How can any MAN claim the title of "Holy Father" or even allow someone to refer to them as such?
That is a very good observation. Matthew 10:8 actually says "you received free, give free." The pursuit of a "career" in religion to make money is appalling to me. I'm a minister....but I make my living at a full time job in logistics. Places of worship have expenses (power, water, lawn maintenance etc) but beyond supporting that the clergy has no business asking for part of a person's income so they can enrich the church (themselves). Places of worship don't need gold trim, mahogany crown molding, marble floors, etc. God isn't impressed by such things
You are correct. That's what i have said in other posts about "tradition" taking the place of truthful bible teachings. Matthew 23:8-10 "But you, do not you be called rabbi, for one is your teacher, whereas all you are brothers. Moreover, do not call anyone your father on earth, for one is your father, the heavenly one. Neither be called leaders, for your leader is one, the Christ." That may not sit well with some, but the bible is pretty direct with that statement
Actually, my take on that extends into many Christian denominations. Personally, I feel that the title of "Reverend" is a human power-grab, so to speak. That title indicates that the person is "deserving of reverence" or that he should be "revered". Sorry, but I hold no man or woman "in reverence" and my take on it (and it's just my opinion) is that it's wrong to take that title.
I have not seen ANY hate in this thread, bro....just people giving their thoughts.... This could not be truer.....I have seen it first hand..... Exactly, and like Trial said, many other religions do the same thing...they just have different ways of "fleecing the flock" Great post! I 100% agree
I seem to remember a statement about the reason for the display of opulence inside the classic/historical churches was to give the down trodden peasant a special place to "communicate" with god. Probably more of a psychological thing to keep the power of the church in their minds. I'll also state that I was raised Lutheran, been "saved" a couple of times by Evangelical's. Cheers, Oly
http://bible.us/jas3.1.nirv My brothers and sisters, most of you shouldn't want to be teachers. You know that those of us who teach will be held more accountable. Those whom God has called to teach the rest of are expected to live by and are held to a higher standard. Reverend is both a title of respect for the office they hold and a reminder of the extra burden they are expected to bear. It has nothing to do with a power grab. If it's used that way by someone then it is being used wrongly. A mass generalization isn't warranted.
I understand that James 3:1 says that those who "teach" will be judged more strictly. To my way of thinking that is as it should be. If they are teaching "false doctrine" then they would be responsible for leading people into sin. Also, I understand that as a "teacher", "preacher", "minister" or watever, it is expected that they should be living a life that is an example for others. I have respect for anyone who takes up that particular challenge in life provided they take it up for the right reason. The fact that I have respect for them does not, however, mean that I am supposed to "revere" them, or "hold them in reverence". By claiming that title and wanting to be referred to as such, they are, in effect, saying that they "are deserving of" our respect. That one aspect of it is exactly my problem with the title. The title isn't needed if they are doing what they're doing for the right reasons and living their lives accordingly. If the title is needed, then something is wrong somewhere.
If anyone in any religion/church cant show you where the money goes if you ask then there aren't using it rightly. I can go to my church ask to see the tithe money books if I wanted to today and they would show me. I agree that many churches have turned away people because of this simple fact but there are churches out there doing whats right. malachi 3:7-12 But you ask, ‘How can we return when we have never gone away?’ 8 “Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated me! “But you ask, ‘What do you mean? When did we ever cheat you?’ “You have cheated me of the tithes and offerings due to me. 9 You are under a curse, for your whole nation has been cheating me. 10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test! 11 Your crops will be abundant, for I will guard them from insects and disease.[a] Your grapes will not fall from the vine before they are ripe,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. 12 “Then all nations will call you blessed, for your land will be such a delight,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. tithe=10% storehouse=church
Is that pre or post tax...... Seriously. If I was writing a book that was going to be read by my customers I would insert that as well... Good business model.
I'm a Christian but if pressed and asked the right questions one would learn I attend a Lutheran Church (similar to but not Catholic). I too Tony struggle with the concept that he is deemed infallible....I cannot or atleast have yet to find scripture stating anyone save Jesus could be labeled as such.
