Why do all of the "high up" Christians live in lavish opulence?
Why do all of the "high up" Christians live in lavish opulence? The Pope has the entire Vatican City. The ArchBishop of Canterbury has Lambeth Palace. The ArchBishop of York has Bishopthorpe Palace. Pat Robertson, while his estates don't have a formal name, lives in an opulent mansion and has the money to lease a private jet. Jerry Falwell, who has passed away a few years ago, also lived in an opulent mansion. Thomas Monson and the rest of the Mormon "apostles" all live in extreme opulence, where they get the money from is anyone's guess, since supposedly Mormons have no paid clergy. Wouldn't it be nice if all of these people sold off their belongings and gave the proceeds to God? Since I am not a Christian I am not entirely knowledgeable on issues relating to the Bible, but I don't remember reading in it back in Sunday school about people who preach his word needing to live in palaces or 20 room estates with private jets parked in the hanger. Maybe I am wrong though.... Wow! Such hostility at the idea that a priest or pastor does not need to live in a palace. I sure hope these guys turn these places over to Jesus when he comes back.
Religion & Spirituality - 21 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Because they're capitalists selling Christianity to the masses?
2 :
"High up" people in ANY religion live in lavish opulence. It's a HUMAN fault, not specifically a Christian one. There are Christian hypocrites, just as I'm sure there are Buddhist hypocrites, Muslim hypocrites, Jewish hypocrites, Hindu hypocrites, and any other religious hypocrite you can think of. These people apparently value money and their own capitalistic desires over the religion they preach.
3 :
How do you even know 'they' are Authentic Christians in the first place? ;)
4 :
that is rare...BILLY GRAHAM GAVE HIMSELF a pay cut...does that make you happy?
5 :
It is only the "high ups" in Commercial Christianity. Genuine Christianity as lived in the book of Acts, does not apply value to opulence.
6 :
and I don't remember reading back in sunday school that they couldn't live in lavishness. it's a personal choice...
7 :
Most "Elmer Gantry's" live in opulence; but then again,I ask you, "Are they Christians?" The Holy Father actually lives in a humble apartment in Vatican City, and doesn't own anything, and neither do other prelates. All that glitters is not gold. Please do your research before shooting your mouth off. S Guy, after reading your remark, I have decided to add something to mine. I usually don't go around insulting people or calling people names, but with you, I'll make an exeption. You are an idiot and a half and then some.
8 :
The VERY SAME THING could be said about the "high up" atheists, Jews, Democrats, Republicans, blacks, whites, Asians, and Hispanics. You're just picking on Christians. If you don't "like" Christians, just say so, stop beating around the bush like some weasel.
9 :
God has rewarded them
10 :
If my priests want to be paid for the work that they perform then i gladly pay them the money that they earn.every workman deserves his meat,they have bills to pay themselves most if i did not provide a room for them would be homeless by their own prefrence.what other denominations do with their workers is up to them,mind your own business.
11 :
People are dieing of hunger in poverty. The rich and famous are keeping their eyes closed on their suffering. Proud and greedy people has nothing to do with God.
12 :
You are wrong. The bible gives examples of using your money well and being blessed. (Matt. 25:14-30)
13 :
Have you ever heard of "counterfeit" Christians? Just because somebody calls themselves a Christian does not necessarily mean that they are (there are fake people out only for your money). The pope, the vatican city, and the archbishops- are NOT Christian (they are Catholic) which is not the same. The Papacy persecuted 40-70 million Christ-following Christians during 1,260 years (calling them heretics). Your last paragraph is correct and Christ like. The world is crooked. You are right.
14 :
While I am not condoning those people, God nor Jesus ever told anyone other than that rich young ruler to sell all they had. He did, however, tell them to care for others according to their desires, not imposed amounts by people who are envious.
15 :
it's Prosperity Theology, also known as Word of Faith. centered on the notion that God provides material prosperity for those he favors. It has been defined by the belief that "Jesus blesses believers with riches" or more specifically as the teaching that "believers have a right to the blessings of health and wealth and that they can obtain these blessings through positive confessions of faith and the 'sowing of seeds' through the faithful payments of tithes and offerings."
16 :
Because they think they can. Because they think they have the right to. Because they get away with it. Because they think when Jesus said, 'you will always have the poor with you", he meant don't bother with them. He explains what He really meant in the next sentence, paraphrased as, "You need to pay attention to me right now, because in a short time I won't physically be here with you any longer." Perhaps it was said for Judas' benefit? Who knows. All we know is, He IS coming again. And He's gonna be packin' a really big, sharp, heavy, righteous, perfectly just sword, fit for only HIs hand, which WILL divine Truth like nobody's business. And, slice through the fanciest armored BMW in a nanosecond.
17 :
"Thomas Monson and the rest of the Mormon "apostles" all live in extreme opulence, where they get the money from is anyone's guess, since supposedly Mormons have no paid clergy." wrong. he/they live in normal neighborhoods in houses similar to my own.....and they pay for their own homes - just like me too.
18 :
I don't believe that our prophet and apostles live in "extreme opulance". I know that the church maintains a very nice apartment for the prophet, but I don't know if Monson lives there or in his house, which from eye witness accounts, is quite humble. Most, if not all, of the apostles had good jobs before they became apostles. Let's see, one was a world famous cardiac surgeon, who helped develop the heart/lung machine. One was a Utah supreme court justice. One was head pilot of Lufthansa Airlines. They aren't poor, in their own right. And since one cannot enter hte temple without being a full tithe payer, I would bet that the prophet and the apostles pay their 10%+ to the church. Our church has one of the biggest and best humanitarian wings of any church out there. I work at our Storehouse, and just this year, not only did we give out thousands of dollars worth of food and commodities to local members, but we have given almost $40,000 worth of food and commodities to outside agencies, like the Salvation Army, the local Red Cross, and other food pantries and shelters. And the year isn't over. Thanksgiving ahd Christmas are our busiest times.
19 :
Spencer W. Kimball cried when he was called to be an Apostle (of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints). Were these Tears of happiness because he just hit the jackpot, and would now be able to live in mansions and drive in gold plated limousines? No. He was just starting to do very well in his own personal financial life. But by being called to being an Apostle of Jesus Christ he would have to put aside all of his financial dealings. As a result, he would not be able to send his children to an excellent college that he had set his heart to send them to. As an Apostle he would NOT receive a significant income. Other then a pitiful poverty allowance he would get nothing from the LDS Church, and nothing from his investments. Had he kept his Business Investments by not becoming an Apostle, he would have been quite wealthy. Instead Spencer W. Kimball took the path of personal poverty. The LDS Church pays for transportation and security and things of that nature for the Apostles, but an Apostle is expected to put away all worldly concerns and focus on Jesus Christ. Only the most meager of allowance is given to the impoverished Apostle if that is needed. Most LDS Apostles come from a middle class background, often upper middle class. Income is not a qualification or disqualification one way or the other. Certainly Apostles do not drive Gold plate Limousines. The clergy of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints does not get paid generally speaking. If some are suffering from temporary economic displacement, they might get some assistance just like any other member who is in similar circumstances. Your information is false. Your question is incorrect.
20 :
Thomas Monson has his own money, he dousnt take a salary. The church provides an apartment in Salt Lake City for the Prophet, not a mansion. As far as I know, Monson uses his own home that he has used probably before me and you were born.
21 :
The Vatican is essentially the headquarters for all Catholics. Doesn't it make sense that the Pope would live there? It's not as though he built it himself. And if the Catholics don't care, why should we? And no offense, but the bit about Thomas Monson living in opulence was just hilarious. Here's a picture of his house: http://www.moroni10.com/prophets_homes/Thomas_Monson.html Yeah, real opulence. You know, wealth isn't evil in itself. I have friends who are easily millionaires ten times over, but they're humble people, and they do so much good with what they have. Why can't God also use money to help His children? We only become evil if wealth becomes the goal, not if we have it. After all, isn't there also a passage in the Bible about using what we're given?
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