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One thing I have noticed is that Christians in Western civilizations never bring up the fact that Jesus taught specifically that the abundance of things a man possesses should be given to the poor.
Jesus talks about this in many verses such as Luke 12:15-21 And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” AND Luke 12:33-34 “Sell what you have and give alms" AND Mark 10:21 Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.”
There are many other verses in Acts and John but you get the point. I don't see any Christians in the Western world giving up their second car or second or third TV. Instead of sacrificing like Jesus did they accumulate more and more material things. The ones that are really bad are the Christian leaders like Joel Olsteen. Net worth of over $60 million and flies around in a jet. Did Jesus really intend for Joel to live like that? Are people like him to egoistic to share their wealth? Are any of you Christians that have abundance of stuff willing to part out with the majority of their materialistic stuff in the name of Jesus? In fact I am sure that anyone in America could get rid of all of their possessions including their house and they would still be better off than any poor person that lives in a their world country.
This is how Jesus wants you to live but apparently no Western Christians are willing to suffer like Jesus has. They continue their support of wealth and pursuit of comfort.
One thing I have noticed is that Christians in Western civilizations never bring up the fact that Jesus taught specifically that the abundance of things a man possesses should be given to the poor.
Jesus talks about this in many verses such as Luke 12:15-21 And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” AND Luke 12:33-34 “Sell what you have and give alms" AND Mark 10:21 Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.”
There are many other verses in Acts and John but you get the point. I don't see any Christians in the Western world giving up their second car or second or third TV. Instead of sacrificing like Jesus did they accumulate more and more material things. The ones that are really bad are the Christian leaders like Joel Olsteen. Net worth of over $60 million and flies around in a jet. Did Jesus really intend for Joel to live like that? Are people like him to egoistic to share their wealth? Are any of you Christians that have abundance of stuff willing to part out with the majority of their materialistic stuff in the name of Jesus? In fact I am sure that anyone in America could get rid of all of their possessions including their house and they would still be better off than any poor person that lives in a their world country.
This is how Jesus wants you to live but apparently no Western Christians are willing to suffer like Jesus has. They continue their support of wealth and pursuit of comfort.
Obviously, yes. Culture will play a large part of it. The prosperity Gospel is huge in the US. However, it's also huge in 3rd world countries. Word of Faith shysters make money hand over fist in Africa. Why? Because people are people and they love money.
Having said that, Jesus never actually condemned HAVING money. He condemned loving it more than God. There is nothing wrong with wealth. But the one that lies, cheats, steals, etc to get that money is wrong.
That was a very good post. We at least seem to agree on religious scammery (there's always SOME common ground). I would just argue that you appear not to have read the passages about eternal life requiring giving all you have to the poor, before following Jesus.
Mar 10:21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
Obviously, yes. Culture will play a large part of it. The prosperity Gospel is huge in the US. Hoewever, it's also huge in 3rd world countries. Word of Faith shysters make money hand over fist in Africa. Why? Because people are people and they love money.
Having said that, Jesus never actually condemned HAVING money. He condemned loving it more than God. There is nothing wrong with wealth. But the one that lies, cheats, steals, etc to get that money is wrong.
Why?
Because believers are so gullible is a better answer prophet BFun..
That was a very good post. We at least seem to agree on religious scammery (there's always SOME common ground). I would just argue that you appear not to have read the passages about eternal life requiring giving all you have to the poor, before following Jesus.
Mar 10:21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
I don't think Jesus is saying to sell everything and become homeless and poor. I don't think Jesus is against necessary basic things to live.
Obviously, yes. Culture will play a large part of it. The prosperity Gospel is huge in the US. However, it's also huge in 3rd world countries. Word of Faith shysters make money hand over fist in Africa. Why? Because people are people and they love money.
Having said that, Jesus never actually condemned HAVING money. He condemned loving it more than God. There is nothing wrong with wealth. But the one that lies, cheats, steals, etc to get that money is wrong.
Another red herring argument from you. I never said anything about Jesus condemning having money. Jesus teaches his followers should sacrifice and give to the poor their excessive possessions. I don't see any Western Christians doing that in any capacity.
Another red herring argument from you. I never said anything about Jesus condemning having money. Jesus teaches his followers should sacrifice and give to the poor their excessive possessions. I don't see any Western Christians doing that in any capacity.
These kind of sayings, which are in all religions not just Jesus, are aspirational. If we are all perfect we will all be Jesus or have attained Oneness. We are not, we are trainees.
I don't know if the Gates are Christians or what but they are inspiration themselves.
I think the OP is a red herring frankly. or a strawman. One or the other.
Another red herring argument from you. I never said anything about Jesus condemning having money. Jesus teaches his followers should sacrifice and give to the poor their excessive possessions. I don't see any Western Christians doing that in any capacity.
You have never gone to a good church, then. I see that every week. I go to church with decent, honest, caring Christians who give out of their blessing.
You have never gone to a good church, then. I see that every week. I go to church with decent, honest, caring Christians who give out of their blessing.
Glad you’re admitting the rest of the 30,000+ sects of your xianity are crappy churches loaded with scummy, indecent, dishonest non-caring christians prophet BFun..
Glad you’re admitting the rest of the 30,000+ sects of your xianity are crappy churches loaded with scummy, indecent, dishonest non-caring christians prophet BFun..
You da man
havin' a bad day bro?
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