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Post by KittyLane on May 31, 2007 7:13:38 GMT -5
OK minor rant here. (probably because I am medication, bear with me) In my home town I have told about this major church that has put MILLIONS of dollars into the building of a sanctuary, recreation center, child care facilities, and a dining hall. Well I realized the other day that they own about 5 billboards in our town. Five...then that is not including the ones on the outside of our city limits. Advertising on this scale is kinda grotesque. Then I got to thinking about the vacation bible schools. What is that but a recruitment of little souls? When they don't know any better? When there is nothing else to do in this town but attend? And now since the church is the largest building in our growing town, many events are held there. Furthering the advertisement of this monstrosity. Again... this is a small town. We have a great deal of destitute people here. I wonder why some of this money that is being spread around trying to wheel in souls, couldn't be reserved for the poor. Not saying that the church is solely responsible for them, but if they are going to take in the kids at VBS wouldn't it make since to help the parents too? Or is all hope lost on those people? I fear my meds are kicking in.. so I might not be making the best sense. Damn bronchitis!
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Finn
Philosopher
Posts: 153
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Post by Finn on May 31, 2007 8:45:24 GMT -5
In my home town I have told about this major church that has put MILLIONS of dollars into the building of a sanctuary, recreation center, child care facilities, and a dining hall. Well I realized the other day that they own about 5 billboards in our town. Five...then that is not including the ones on the outside of our city limits. Advertising on this scale is kinda grotesque. Advertising by its nature, religious or non-religious, is grotesque. Billboards are particularly hard on the eyes and always crass in their setting. However, one can hardly fault this Church for doing its job. The point of any Christian Church is to "bear witness," and build itself up larger and stronger to bring even more people into the flock as it were. One doesn't blame a dog for barking, so there is little point in worrying about Christians who proselytize. Yes? And how is that any different from parents who indoctrinate their children into their faith when the little babies don't know any better? I understand your concern, but the simple fact is we are bombarded with ideas, concepts, notions, and culture from the day we are born. Personally, I don't care about Christians or who they recruit to their ranks. I've got enough to worry about making my own way. The only options are: 1. Get upset about something you can do nothing about. 2. Try to do your own recruitment of little souls. 3. Accept that the spirituality of other people (little or not) isn't your business or responsibility. I'm guessing none of those three options is particularly appealing. In the end, those that "deserve" to find wisdom and truth will find it. You can't give it to them. Even if you could, they would neither fully appreciate nor use wisely that which they did not earn themselves. Take solace in the fact that those who never learn will not be competing with you and yours. The Church isn't responsible for them at all. I agree that we as a "society" should be more caring of our own, but that has nothing to do with private organizations (religious or otherwise). Do I think they have a moral responsibility? Sure. However, my personal morality has no bearing on them. I happen to be one of those people who doesn't believe Churches should be tax free (no matter what faith). If it turns a profit, it should get taxed.
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Post by KittyLane on Jun 1, 2007 7:19:09 GMT -5
I kinda like that idea... just kidding... In total agreement here. One other piece of rant: There is a separation of church and state for a reason people...
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