by RULES & REGULATIONS 47 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
Tell people what they want to hear once a week and they load you with tax free money out of their pockets. You're a hero, a savior, damn near devine...people work for you and you don't have to worry about your ego not being stroked, food, clothing, shelter, etc.
And don't forget all the ladies who will want to have your child. LOL.
Warlock
Yes...yes, you'll never have to worry about getting some (blank) ever again!
Yes...yes, you'll never have to worry about getting some (blank) ever again!That's what I was trying to say, without saying it, yes. Not that I worry about it now, anyway. Warlock
I used to think that was the case but then I found out that the minister of the church I attend takes home less than half of what I do and works longer hours, often with the berieved and needy. The church itself about breaks even each year, after you account for all the community activities it engages in and the upkeep of property. Sure theres equity in the church property, but it's expensive to maintain and who would pay full shilling for it on an open market?
There's no doubt that folks like Benny Hinn (whom I have little time for) make a packet, but this is not a typical example of someone in religious service.
LittleToe
Brother Apostate said it best :
They are just more hucksters making a living off of gullible people.
While I would NEVER get involved with or give support to any religion ever again, I do watch Joel Osteen. I like him.
His advice is generic bible, common sense advice (if you ignore the born-again part).
As far as tithing is concerned, I read a book last year which said that if you tithe you will prosper (some karmic law). I considered it and thought about it over and over again but decided I could not do it. There isn't a religious organization that I would give money to. I would just as soon give it to some other charity. I know that people will say there is corruption in charities. I know that but I feel the corruption is less than with religion.
LHG
LongHairGal
Don't you think that the Joel Osteen Ministry is like too sweet? It's like eating too much honey where you throw up after. I hate when they make all the members repeat after themselves and make the members look and shake hands with each other. Five minutes of that I'm done.
Let us not also forget the fact that we many times see things as they appear, not as they are.
While men like Benny Hinn are quite noticable in our society beause of their loud public image, it does not mean that there are not many more who render humble service. We may just have to look a little deeper to see them because they haven't put themselves on center stage.
I'd be willing to bet decent money that not one of the folks who claim that all clergy are hucksters actually know any of the hard-working, front-line variety who deal with all manner of situations...
Are secular counsellors and psychologists similarly hucksters? Especially when they own their own premises?
It might be nice to examine your premises once in a while, rather than generalising on the likes of the extreme examples of folks like Hinn et al...
RulesandRegulations:
I know what you mean about it being "sweet" or "cute" and it makes me chuckle a bit. But, after my brain being pan-fried by the JWs, I need a little levity. I am down on religion in general and would never get involved with another one. I am just observing from a safe distance.
LHG
