Giving to Man

But the people gave the money to God, so it's ok:

For nearly a decade, members of Ripon's First Congregational Church bared their souls to Pastor Randall Radic. But clearly it didn't work both ways. There were certain things he wasn't telling them.

That became obvious a year ago, when Radic pleaded guilty to betraying his flock and secretly selling the church and its rectory out from under them. He used the money to buy himself a brand-new black BMW and a laptop -- exploits he later chronicled in a cheeky, almost gleeful blog about his double life as a sinner.

southflorida.com

This is why all the "I've given it to God" stuff has to stop. When you give to the church you are just as accountable as the gentlemen in the parable of the talents. If the pastor can look and see who's giving how much, then you should definitely know and care about how the money you've given is being spent.

Free will

If certain Christian sects are correct and God has elected some people and there is no way for them to not be elected, then wouldn't it mean that both the elect and non-elect are doing God's will?

In other words, if God says that one person will do good and another will do bad, then isn't the bad person doing the will of God?

To Grow a Church

I used to go to one of the best churches I've ever known. What happened to change that?

Modern churches are focused on one thing; to grow the church. In order to grow the church you must enact certain rules and behaviors to keep it running. Now, this is where modern churches begin to lose focus. All events become centered at the facility and all programs are organized to support the facility.

"by all means that we might save some"

What's the best way to keep young people involved?

The modern church answers this by getting them involved in anything and everything from music to games to events.

Well, in order to accommodate all that is needed takes a lot of money. It is natural then that we find most modern churches drowned in debt. I understand that the Bible has something to say about usury and the like, but never mind that.

Praying before service my pastor mentioned that we "needed" about 6 more classrooms and that it would take about $100,000. This on top of all the money we've already spent on fixing up the place.

We'd all like chandeliers of gold, toilet paper of silk, and pews equipped with back message equipment, but its just not going to happen. Not while I'm doing the spending anyway. Sure, give it to God they say, but aren't I responsible and accountable for what and where I give. Can I give a homeless pimp money knowing that he's going to use it for cab fare to beat his b*tches? No, that would be irresponsible.

So no, we do not need to spend 100 grand on new classrooms. We need to pay off what we have and make due with it. Its not about the facilities and money. Else, in poor times not built up by the easy credit Americans have been bred to love, then no one would be saved.

For example, anyone can get beautiful women by flashing 100 dolla' bills around, but once the monies are gone so are they. Better to attract people with character, then a bunch of hoes searching for the latest taste of excitement.

Life After Death

Life After Death: A History of the Afterlife in Western Religion
by Alan F. Segal (professor of Jewish studies at Barnard College)

I found this book in New York while waiting for a Knickerbocker's (yes, that is what it says on the ticket) game. I actually got through quite a bit and was really fascinated with what the author found in his research.

For one he shows the difference in the Jews belief of the afterlife during the first temple, then how their ideas changed towards the second temple and finally how they began incorporating the pagan ideas of reincarnation and transmigration of the soul. Finally, he reaches into the New Testament and digs up some pretty nice information regarding the Christian development of both heaven and hell.

Got to put the wife through school, but you can be sure that this one will remain at the top of my list when I get some free cash.