The 3 'M's

All organised corporate religion such as all the major arms of Christianity and it's peripheral sects, cults and offshoots are motivated by one or more of the 3 "M"s, Money, Membership, Me.

- Money is a big driver in corporate religion despite them all denying it. Everything from the grotesque TV evangelists to the apparently harmless handing round of the offering dish to the box at the back of the church with "love gifts and offerings" written on it, are all part of the desire and need to make money. giving should be in humility and prompted by the spirit.

- Membership. I was once attending a church where the laity were asked to sign a document, a mission statement (*throws up a little) which read "we will be the fastest growing church in ******* ...". Why? What is the need to be the fast growing, it is pride. Church attendees give money to an religious organisation but do they realise they have no voting rights unless they are official members. Why have membership lists at all? David displeased God for counting the army of Israel.

- Me. Self glory, leadership, power, position, hierarchy.

What are your thoughts on this?

Originally posted by divegeester
All organised corporate religion such as all the major arms of Christianity and it's peripheral sects, cults and offshoots are motivated by one or more of the 3 "M"s, Money, Membership, Me.

- Money is a big driver in corporate religion despite them all denying it. Everything from the grotesque TV evangelists to the apparently harmless handing round of . Self glory, leadership, power, position, hierarchy.

What are your thoughts on this?

Church is just another product in a consumer culture. The ones with the stat boards are just more open about it.

Originally posted by divegeester
All organised corporate religion such as all the major arms of Christianity and it's peripheral sects, cults and offshoots are motivated by one or more of the 3 "M"s, Money, Membership, Me.

- Money is a big driver in corporate religion despite them all denying it. Everything from the grotesque TV evangelists to the apparently harmless handing round of . Self glory, leadership, power, position, hierarchy.

What are your thoughts on this?

My thoughts are along the lines that organised corporate religion is of no consequence to anyone but the leaders and their respective followers themselves. Jesus Christ has neither regard for nor fear of nor favour towards these. Every man will be judged on his own merit.

For every man shall bear his own burden. Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
(Gal 6:5-10)

Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: For there is no respect of persons with God. For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. (Rom 2:9-13)

Originally posted by divegeester
All organised corporate religion such as all the major arms of Christianity and it's peripheral sects, cults and offshoots are motivated by one or more of the 3 "M"s, Money, Membership, Me.

- Money is a big driver in corporate religion despite them all denying it. Everything from the grotesque TV evangelists to the apparently harmless handing round of ...[text shortened]... . Self glory, leadership, power, position, hierarchy.

What are your thoughts on this?

It seems to me, after examining all religions, the only way
that makes sense was the teaching of Jesus.

His teaching of the commandments and the beatitudes
all make sense. Thous shalt not kill, love your neighbour
as yourself. Do good to others. All of that is good common
sense and that is the way we should live. If we did then it
might be a better world.

Was Jesus a God or a son of a God? I don't know.
It is written that he performed many miracles.
But he also had no time for organized religion.
He was always in conflict with those who held
high office in the synagogues.

All the organized religions of today are nothing like
what he spoke of. Not one of them act as he did.
They preach one thing and do another. None of
them are worthy in my eyes to be a member of.

All of them are only interested in money and power.
None of them give a fig about anyone else. Hardly a
role model.

I believe that if you are of good character and do no wrong
and help others as you would like to be treated yourself then
if there is a God up there then he might remember you.

Originally posted by johnnylongwoody
It seems to me, after examining all religions, the only way
that makes sense was the teaching of Jesus.

His teaching of the commandments and the beatitudes
all make sense. Thous shalt not kill, love your neighbour
as yourself. Do good to others. All of that is good common
sense and that is the way we should live. If we did then it
...[text shortened]... would like to be treated yourself then
if there is a God up there then he might remember you.

Behaviour based on a clear conscience is a good starting place, God certainly wants honesty. Satan is the father of lies.

Originally posted by Rajk999
My thoughts are along the lines that organised corporate religion is of no consequence to anyone but the leaders and their respective followers themselves.

I disagree. I observe that organised religion in all its forms is the bringer of discord among all mankind, it places a vicarious barrier between God and humankind and is revolting misrepresentation of the ecclesia.