Originally posted by David CI know you might find this hard to believe, but many Christians are profound thinkers who think for themselves. Broad-brushing a whole group of people is unfair and stupid.
Whenever your priest, pastor, youth group leader or a "biblical scholar" tells you to do so or not. After they've passed the collection plate, of course.
Originally posted by gaychessplayerNot if you live in Germany. Have you overlooked the commandment to tithe?
What's wrong with passing the collection plate? People can give, or not give, as they choose.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tithe
I like the "pass the collection plate" method better than the "government" method, which takes money by force so secular preachers like Bill Moyers can have a job on PBS at taxpayer's expense.
It's laughable that you'd attempt to compare the two. Remember, your tax dollars indirectly support the churches as well...since they're exempt from paying their fair share.
Originally posted by gaychessplayerYou're right, I do find it hard to believe, since their beliefs appear so incredibly absurd to me.
I know you might find this hard to believe, but many Christians are profound thinkers who think for themselves.
Broad-brushing a whole group of people is unfair and stupid.
OK, let's try it with another group of people:
"Gay people prefer sexual relationships with other people of the same gender". Is this Unfair?
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Originally posted by David CChristians can choose to tithe 10% anywhere they want. The taxpayer has to tithe to the Federal Government up to around 40% - a quadruple tithe. If you don't tithe to the Feds, you can end up in jail.
Not if you live in Germany. Have you overlooked the commandment to tithe?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tithe
[b] I like the "pass the collection plate" method better than the "government" method, which takes money by force so secular preachers like Bill Moyers can have a job on PBS at taxpayer's expense.
It's laughable that you'd attempt to com ...[text shortened]... rectly support the churches as well...since they're exempt from paying their fair share.[/b]
I do not personally think that churches should be tax-exempt. They should pay their fair share like everybody else.
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Originally posted by David CGiving a definition of a group is not "broad-brushing." "Broad-brushing" is the logical fallacy of ascribing a certain property or properties to every individual in a group when those properties are not part of the definition of the group.
"Gay people prefer sexual relationships with other people of the same gender". Is this Unfair?[/b]
Originally posted by gaychessplayerYou just wake me when the churches begin to provide the far-reaching social and infrastructure services for which governments are responsible. I'll not go so far as to say I agree with the way each dime is spent by big government, but given the choice between the two...it's no contest.
Christians can choose to tithe 10% anywhere they want. The taxpayer has to tithe to the Federal Government up to around 40% - a quadruple tithe. If you don't tithe to the Feds, you can end up in jail.
Originally posted by gaychessplayer"Christian clergy and biblical scholars provide instruction on how their flock should interpret bible passages, based on their own interpretations and those of tradition."
Giving a definition of a group is not "broad-brushing." "Broad-brushing" is the logical fallacy of ascribing a certain property or properties to every individual in a group when those properties are not part of the definition of the group.
"Christian churches collect money from their congregation, and are exempt in whole or in part from Federal Tax laws."
Yes, I can see how you'd take issue with my logical fallacies, gaychessplayer. What were they again? Maybe you just didn't like my cynical delivery. C'est la vie.
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Originally posted by David CDavid C wakey wakey....
You just wake me when the churches begin to provide the far-reaching social and infrastructure services for which governments are responsible. I'll not go so far as to say I agree with the way each dime is spent by big government, but given the choice between the two...it's no contest.
the vast majority of churches in th US support numerous social programs from soup kitchens to women and children shelters, counseling for the mentally disabled, etc... You don't see it, because you don't want to see it.
edit: churches do pay taxes, they pay social security taxes and other payroll taxes where aplicable.
Originally posted by duecerI'm wide awake, thanks. I don't recall having suggested that churches and religious organizations don't practice charity. They do. Of course, they pick and choose their involvement...are you seriously implying that their level of contribution to the social welfare, essential services, infrastructure, defense, etc. of any nation is on par with government agencies? Here, let me set the alarm for you.
David C wakey wakey....
the vast majority of churches in th US support numerous social programs from soup kitchens to women and children shelters, counseling for the mentally disabled, etc... You don't see it, because you don't want to see it.
Originally posted by David CAgain you don't see it because you don't want to see it.
I'm wide awake, thanks. I don't recall having suggested that churches and religious organizations don't practice charity. They do. Of course, they pick and choose their involvement...are you seriously implying that their level of contribution to the social welfare, essential services, infrastructure, defense, etc. of any nation is on par with government agencies? Here, let me set the alarm for you.
One easy example is the Katrina disaster. Church orginizations have far and away outpaced government in the reconstruction process. Fact.