A "world like that" is the world of the Christian faith. If half the Christians in this country lived their faith, all of us in this country would live in a "world like that." Instead, "Christians" in this country are more concerned with homosexuality and abortion. It's incredible to me that self-identified Christians support the Republican party -- a party of pre-emptive war obsessed with nothing so much as rewarding the rich and punishing the poor. Jesus Christ wasn't about getting what you can and hording it (for your family or anyone else) and he certainly wasn't about elective wars. He was against killing and he was about helping the less fortunate. If he was alive today and in America, Jesus Christ would be a Democrat. And he would deplore what's being done in his name by George W. Bush and his followers.
I don't know that I'll go with the Jesus would be a democrat thing. I don't think he could be thrown into either category. Both are way too self-interested for Jesus Christ. He would point out hypocrisy in both. having said that...i agree entirely that if Christians lived their faith more the world would be a far better place. and on the whole "take the first step" thing. i believe God calls us to take the first step whether we are rewarded for it or not. i'm convicted by the fact that i don't always do that in my life. Mother Theresa said that people will take advantage of your kindness...but to be kind, anyway.
Does that mean you should live only on what's the bear necessities, and give away the rest? Is that how you live? If not, why so quick to criticize the Christians in this country.
While greed in excess can be bad, but it is also the driving force that moves this world forward. Do you really need that 70" plasma TV? why not give that money to the poor. Greed creates need, which drives innovations/productivity gains that benefit all of us.
No, I don't. Exactly. I don't think the 70" plasma innovation is doing much to alleviate suffering for the entire world. It might help us enjoy the Rockets games a bit more, though.
Jesus told one wealthy ruler to sell all he had, give it to the poor and follow Him. Can you imagine the responses He would get if we had been that ruler. Jesus Christ could have had all His world could offer and turned it down. Christians who read the Bible and believe are constantly challenged to have a humble heart and take steps of faith in obedience. Matthew 6:19-21 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. It is more blessed to give than to receive- Jesus Christ
Let me add.... (while sermonizing) It is not as important how much you have as are you... A good steward of God's blessings Generous Content with basics Compassionate Caring of your family Concerned for the poor, widows, orphans Diligent Honest God looks at the heart
That's was just to make a point, the person who buys the tv contributes to the innovation that have benefits for all of us. Like the new game console drives microprocessor/graphics innovations might be used for more powerful medical equipment. If everyone has no extra need above their basic necessities, a lot of the markets/industries wouldn't exist. You probably won't be working in a good paying job that allows you to help the poor.
One small coincidence... If I ever became an official Christian, there'd be a lot of things I'd give up before I could proclaim it to others. It's not just the sinful stuff. Whatever interpretation you read, the message is clearly spelled out yet the supposed punishment is what the public seems to be focused upon. Just by writing what I wrote, I couldn't allow myself to believe what I want to believe and redirect that responsibility that I should take up and shift it upon the Bible and Jesus in name. You could say that the stakes would be too high... I don't think I have some Messiah complex. Living like Jesus and being Jesus are two different things.
so my money is better spent to help others by buying the plasma screen TV over giving it to a family in need...or to an orphanage in South Africa?? i'm not trying to attack, but that sounds a lot like rationalization. these things we have consume us more than we consume them. they become bits of happiness we're told we can buy off a shelf. i saw a very sweet ad for Chase Bank last night of a man paying for his daughter's wedding...being her hero...the implication being that Chase can help you buy your daughter's love and respect. this is what our society sells. this is what we've all bought into. i find it in stark contrast to Jesus Christ. it's why I have a hard time when people say, "this is a Christian nation." it might be in history and in name. but i don't get a strong sense of it when i see what our culture values based on where we spend our money. AND I'M EVERY BIT AS GUILTY OF THAT AS EVERYONE ELSE. but i'm trying real hard, ringo.
It boils down to the question of what progress really means in the grand scheme of things. Is it more technology, more weapons, more stuff, more time sinks or more people? Is it creating equality for all, eliminating poverty, eliminating starvation, increasing the knowledge of the universe, increasing the knowledge and potential of our minds, or just improving the quality of life? Many people just consume themselves in the machine of capitalism, whether through work or entertainment, and never have that one moment of silence to think. What is it for, and for who is it for? It's been a hundred years since we invented the means to eliminate starvation, yet the methods aren't cost effective (such as eliminating most forms of meat, enforcing fishing limitations, and improving irrigation and habitable land use) and the logistics of delivering food to 3rd world countries are too costly. So what are we waiting for? Like a book with no beginning or end, we'll reach one level, ignore it, and look on to the next higher level... whether it be a larger television screen, Star Trek like communicators, or flying cars. There's no doubt that science and technology has greatly benefitted mankind. Americans today live like royalty of the Middle Ages. But do we really need more considering that the rest of the world doesn't? Or do we need to innovate more until everyone lives like Americans? If we progress for that reason, it's Communism without the final result. That answer could be met if Americans sacrificed more to live like the rest of the world instead of inspiring the rest of the world to live like us. It's constant warfare and struggles to reach a goal without end. So what again is progress?
It makes me feel good that a lot of the Christians on this board realizes the hypocracies of the Christian faith in general today. The hypocracies (of the Christians, not the bible) are what turned me away and I'm glad I'm not the only one to realize that. At least when you are aware, you can do something about it, so I commend all of you for that.
Just to be a devil's advocate, if we don't buy the 70" Plasma TVs, who is going to feed the workers at the manufacturing plant? Perhaps the greed system works quite well in the grand scheme of things. In fact we should be sure to buy the TVs from 3rd world country manufacturing plants because those workers need the work the most.
By littering on the freeways, I'm giving petty criminals on work release programs something to do. Otherwise, how would the find the error of their ways?
