Alternative Spirituality

» pink101 - Wonders

In response to Wonders posted by sacred_insights:
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I'm reading Richard Dawkins' book, The God Delusion.
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Presently, in my reading, he is discussion the question about why we have religion in the world. He touches on the idea apparent fact that every people believe in the supernatural and he's asking why. So far, he has shown that religion is one of the greatest wastes of time and energy--as well as life--in all of human endeavors.
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I'm gradually starting to see his point.
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Why DO we have to institutionalize our beliefs in the supernatural and create an economy based on it? Look at this fantastic New Life Church that was organized by the Reverend Ted Haggard.
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I wonder what kind of a car he drove?
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A Bently, you don't say?
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My, my.
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Uh huh.
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Yes,
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Why of course, certainly.
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mmm hmmm
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Okay....
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:)
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And, you? What kind of car do you drive?
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-- posted by pink101

» sacred_insights - Spiritualist a personal definition

In response to Spiritualist a personal definition posted by pink101:
Yes well all religions make a career for someone. What you read here is indicative of battles in Spiritualism. Now don't get me wrong I do think ministers should be able to make a proper living to work for the church full time, but for that I expect them to be properly trained and fully prepared to serve the public as they do in other churches. Spiritualism has a lot of work to do if it wants to be seen as a real spiritual and religious option by the government and the general public...

Phil money always changes hands just some ways are more direct than others....

Cat

-- posted by sacred_insights

» sacred_insights - Wonders

In response to Wonders posted by pink101:
LOL Phil I don't drive I take the transit... But the point is that religion becomes institutionalized (yes even Spiritualism) because some people want to organize and control what others think and how they act spiritually... and usually the motivator behind that desire for control in the general sense is a desire for power, some sort of fame and tied into that is money... when in doubt look for the money...

-- posted by sacred_insights

» pink101 - Spiritualist a personal definition

In response to Spiritualist a personal definition posted by sacred_insights:
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I have to fly; but, one thing before I leave for a few hours anyway.
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When money gets to be the motivating factor behind religion, we see certain issues coming to the surface.
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One of the most recent was this doctrine that God wants everyone to be wealthy. (What is that doctrine called? It escapes me right now. But, there is a word for it.)
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Since this doctrine came into being, churches have turned into architectural dreams and construction empires have been built on church building specialization. Banks have lent great sums of money to church bodies as they drummed up their building funds. One preacher doesn't do it for a church anymore. They have to have assistant pastors for different minority groups, and youth pastors, and directors of education, and even gymnastic coaches in the larger churchiversities. Many churches have branched out with K-12 school systems. And, church charities--run under the aegis of their state's charitable trust act of law.
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It's more than a preacher making a decent living. It is mega business. By the way, if we are business people attending the same church? You scratch my back and I'll see to it that business is directed your way. Oh, and by the way, the preacher has a landscaping business on the side. Do you need your lawn cut? How about we plant some trees and put in an English rose garden for you? Well, yes, we do charge a premium; but, then, you have the satisfaction of knowing that your money isn't being spent to hire some homosexual massuese or to buy some meth.
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Just a few of the lternatives that are available.
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-- posted by pink101

» spiritalk - Wonders

In response to Wonders posted by sacred_insights:

when others are paying the taxes for the deadbeats it does become a problem. No one asked anyone to donate...that is the nature of DONATE.

And then there is the donation FROM the church to those in need...food.

God bless, J

-- posted by spiritalk

» spiritalk - Spiritualist a personal definition

In response to Spiritualist a personal definition posted by sacred_insights:

Actually I am in touch with income tax both personal and church...can you say the same? Take it on!

Actually when reading are done in the church it is by the medium's own clients, not ones they have pilfered from church association. And they pay 50% in most venues...check it out.

The most in any one month received on a 20% basis was $80. for which it was considered a bargain between the workers. Am I wrong? Did you not have a part in the negotiations?

BTW since the church is getting its own calls...its amazing how much more is available! LOL

God bless, J

-- posted by spiritalk

» spiritalk - Wonders

In response to Wonders posted by sacred_insights:

No one is expecting guilt from anyone...why do you?

God bless, J

-- posted by spiritalk

» sacred_insights - Spiritualist a personal definition

In response to Spiritualist a personal definition posted by spiritalk:
Yes and it would be my internet work that helped the church manage to reach that much more available public from which it is now getting readings... You seem to think I took readings from the church the church and you would have no internet presence if it were not for my free labour.... So who owes who money?

How do you separate your income off your own sites (which I helped you build along with the church web site) from that of the churches income from readings?

-- posted by sacred_insights

» sacred_insights - Wonders

In response to Wonders posted by spiritalk:
When was the last time YOUR church donated to those in need???

Do your members get a tax receipt for their donations? I never did because as I understand it your church does not have a charitable status number... So what are these folks donating to? Do they really have a clue?

And the money I make will be claimed on my 2007 taxes as it should be. I never had any intention not to claim the funds. In spite of some Spiritual people's advice to do the opposite...

-- posted by sacred_insights

» sacred_insights - Wonders

In response to Wonders posted by sacred_insights:
I mean filed in 2007 for 2006.

-- posted by sacred_insights