Eh...going out on a limb here. Do Christian Republicans know who they're worshipping?

You are correct, it is not inherent. But Jesus is quite clear that it is easier for the poor to be close to god.

The disregard for jesus' focus on compassion and servitude is one of the primary reasons that christian churches are dead to me. They've been warped by jaded selfishness, egged on by the hilarious hypocrisy of american capitalistic ideology.

 

1. i hear ya...but that can be dangerous, too. i KNOW poor people who are obsessed with money...absolutely owned by their lack of it. i don't think they're any better off than the rich guy.

2. you're going to the wrong churches...there are churches out there doing amazing things in service and compassion. the megachurches that are the loudest aren't typically among them, i agree...they'd rather spend money on elaborate new worship venues. but there are lots and lots and lots of churches that have abdicated that country club model and seek to turn themselves inside out for those in the community around them.

 

You keep telling me this. And I believe you. The problem is those churches you refer to are the exception, not the rule.

I guess for me personally it's not enough anyhow. There are too many other issues that concern me about organized religion to allow myself to join or attend one.

 

the follower who took jesus' body off the cross and burried him in his own tomb.

 

you cant blame God for the short comings of man.

 

I never said I did.

And if that's the best reason to accept the failure of organized religion, please excuse me while I mentally vomit.

 

Who says?

 

If you have the time, listen to this...it's a short sermon from my church delivered by one of my very best friends.

http://thefom.com/Messages/Entries/2008/1/20_Cultural_Architects:_Culture_Creating_Service.html

I understand your concerns about organized religion, and I don't blame you for them. I share many of them with you. At its heart, I don't believe following Jesus = organized religion.

 

so you wont join a church bc organized religion is a sham? yeah the history of christianity is littered w/ stories that make you say, "wtf." if fact the bible has a book that will make you say, "wtf, this is bs" (read Book of Job).

i have my reservations about christianity myself. but ive come to realize that God is God and he has a plan. people screw things up so God finds alternate routes to achieve his plan.

i know youre thinking this explanation is intellectually r****ded... im not a great writer so i cant really express what im trying to say. but i have been in your position about organized religion.

i guess id just say, people are imperfect but that shouldnt stop you from meeting God.

 

That's the point! Why not just follow the advice of jesus without the malarky of "organized" dogma? Why seek solace in a group instead of in the message? Why let yourself become twisted by selective collectivism, when Jesus is advocating a "group of no groups" - complete compassion for all people?

Religion is a construct of the ego - and it's no better.

 

one more thing...

just because someone professes to be christian, it doesnt make then christian...

just because someone is a true follower, it doesnt make them perfect...

 

1) Of course. But it's not because of money, but rather the heart of those with or without money. Often times the rich have devoted their life and soul to the accumulation of wealth. In doing so, it is very likely they have turned away from God.

2) I have never been in a Church that disregarded the focus on compassion that is a constant theme in the Bible.

 

I apologize if I mistook your previous statement as endorsement of organized religion.

The above statement is absolutely true. And I like to think that I am getting closer to meeting god - in my own way.

 

Please understand that conservatives (Christian or not) believe that the best thing that you can do for the poor is abolish (or at least reduce) welfare. We believe that welfare enslaves the poor, while freely-given charity really helps them. And generally we back it up with our pocketbook. It may be a spurious correlation, but every year, people who identify themselves as conservatives give the most money to charity.

 

Those aren't the reasons I'm involved in my church. Organizing to serve others is a good thing....and we don't lie and pretend that Christ isn't the motivation for it. But we're certainly not gonna beat people down with the Gospel, either. I think growth often happens in community...I think God doesn't have to be so personally experienced that he isn't experienced in community....in fact, I've found tremendous meaning in growing with other people and engaging our community with love.

 

bc by nature we are social creatures and we need interaction with other people.

church is a means for us to not only commune w/ God but to share our daily struggles w/ our friends and family so they can help you grow as a person.

 

Hebrews 10:25

Their are other places where Church attendance is discussed in the Bible. Jesus never advocated "no groups"

 

This is a distinction that is lost on many. My own opposition to welfare programs isn't based on greed or contempt for the less fortunate. I subscribe to the the "teach a man to fish" theory. I think our welfare system makes it near impossible for the impoverished to rise up.

 

Agreed.

Disregarding it is one thing, submitting to it is another.

 

I've never been in a church that didn't "submit" to it. Individual members perhaps, but that is human nature. I'd like an example (not the crazy cult Westboro) of a Church that as a Church, ignores the teachings of compassion.

Edit: No I wouldn't. I'm sure there are some that have, but I don't think it's the majority.