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How often have we heard on CD that without churches, there would be little charitable work done? Mind you, it's virtually impossible to dig into church finances to discover the truth, simply because they don't have to disclose their information.
This blog posts highlights two studies done by Christian organizations which at least pierce the veil a bit. Shockingly to some and probably no surprise to others, very little actually goes to real charitable work.
There is no question churches spend a lot of money on themselves and their religious activities, but that really doesn't help anyone but their own, and not anyone outside of that group.
Religions need their privacy and special privileges, they need to hide their corruption and ultimate self-interest.
After all, strict religion is among other things specifically about tribalism, cronyism, loyalism, propaganda, and self-interest.
Exactly. You're admitting their books are closed and nobody knows while at the same time insisting they don't do much charity. Come on now, you can do better than this. I despise organized religion, but your faulty logic and false paradigm isn't deceiving anybody.
I feel like you missed the two studies included in the O.P.
The mafia's books might be closed too, would you be insulted if their commitment to real charity was questioned?
Who is trying to deceive anyone here?
You deserve special exemptions from the Civil Law because you are monotheists?
Terrorists and other self-deceivers can think they answer to God too.
Give onto Caesar what doesn't need to be hidden, please! We beg you!
But do continue to hide your corruptions in order to save face, if that is your necessity. There is no way that opening your books to the light of public witnessing would ever glorify your God. And we all know why.
So you don't want separation of church and state anymore? You realize that it works BOTH ways? Keep your nose out of our business too.
I think he simply wants to end special privileges. But perhaps you are right, those special corruptions stop the religious from mingling in governme.... oh wait, they don't.
It's not "separation" if it's "provision and protection."
Many charitable acts by churches, or should I say members are not on the books. A church I used to attend would announce what they were collecting the following week. Once it was $5 fast food gift cards for the homeless. Sometimes diapers, can goods, new infant clothing, and others. Things like that would not be on the books.
I know of Catholic Churches that have separate envelopes in the box/packet/ or however they do it, that are for certain charities. That money is always accounted for.
Churches that I am aware of always list cash contributions to organizations on the financial report.
Good for them. So why would Rotary be required to have their books fully open, but religions not?
Before I donate to a charity, I always check out guidestar.org. That way I can decide to give only to charities that give back 85%+ of the money they take in. Many, if not most, of the big named, well known charities have huge staff and CEO costs which take up most of the money and give back less than 50% of the money they take in.
When I was younger and went to church, our church would release the budget to be voted on. It was a small church so $70,000 went to preacher salary, another $33,000 to the office lady, and the rest pretty much on the building expenses. Of course the pastor would preach every week on how broke we were and how we need to give more. When pastors stop collecting paychecks and giving their money away, I may begin to have a sliver of respect for them. Until then, the majority seem to be caught up in furthering their "career" and making money, writing books and having cool websites. They want to "further the kingdom of god" but of course only if they are being financially compensated. Churches throw a measly chunk of change towards "missonaries" (who aren't really helping, only trying to convert and serve their own egos) to save face and the rest gets spent on themselves.
Only giving away 1/3 of the money you take in would make for a horrendously rated charity, but if churches give away 1/3 of the money they take in, they are supposed to be legit and praised for it? No thank you.
Also, I'm sure your church gives back 100% of the money and you're preacher is a great guy who never has taken a paycheck. I'm talking as a general rule here.
Yes, I am so sadly aware of these issues too. They think a "non-profit" should pay a CEO large salaries because otherwise they wouldn't do the charity well... it's not much of a charity then, it's more like a money-collecting business that donates some of it's collections to charity.
By collecting money from people who pay them whatever they see fit for their service of telling them things. Like magazines and other corporations that are forced by law to keep their books open YET not be involved in politics directly as an attempted corporatocracy.
We pay our own way, asking nothing of you. As long as we're not breaking the law, how we spend our money is none of your business. The same goes for mosques, until they blow up buildings and kill people.
Churches are good for the community. They promote good citizenship and charity.
So does the Toyota company. Yet the government is all on top of their business.
Toyota also promotes citizenship and charity, just ask them.
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