Would you agree that Christianity does not need the Church or Clergy?
christians today are not focusing on what Jesus wants us to focus on. we do not need a man in a white hat to guide us!!!!!! he doesn't have a more divine connection with God! he isn't the chosen one. a big building with a bunch of expensive nonsense is not necessary to be a Christian. i have an idea! get a big ship, put a bunch of impoverished people on it. sail it right next to rome, and let them live there. instead of buying a fancy dress for an old man to wear, buy a bag of rice so a little child doesn't die! i find it ironic how the vatican is SO Devinne and spiritual. but they don't mind living in a big building and going on parades while people die because they cant find clean water.
Religion & Spirituality - 25 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
no one needs child molesting priests and homophobic reverends
2 :
yup, just the message we've all heard
3 :
totally agree
4 :
False. Five of the seven Sacraments are unavailable to us without Priests. You don't understand what you're talking about.
5 :
I would prefer they get under the yoke of a leader, at least then they are easier to keep in order and impart sensible stuff to them (eg catholic church). This 'personal relationship' with a god thing is just creating a bunch of uninformed know it alls
6 :
But who would steal the people's money?
7 :
That's what the people want, so that's what they get. So in return they get a shallow relationship from God, because they expect to be entertained constantly. Keep in mind that it's spiritual food that we need to deliver also.
8 :
The word is divine. Oh, and another thing, are you trying to insinuate that the organization who gives more aid than any other is not giving enough? Cause that is some pretty faulty logic there.
9 :
No, I believe you're wrong. The scripture is clear that the office of Pastor is one that is defined and called by God. Scripture also tells us to associate with other Christians and to come together in congregate worship. I completely agree that there is no scriptural foundation for the idea of a pope or someone who gets special revelations or has authority to speak for God. Doesn't exist in scripture. But don't throw the baby out with the bath water. Attend a church of a different denomination that takes the scriptures seriously.
10 :
Joe M, Are you anti-clergy or just anti-authority? Do you resent someone advising you how to live your life-style? Just a question. You think you can make it to the kingdom all by yourself? We are loved by God as individuals, but we are saved by God as a community of faith. No longer arrogant & self-sufficient, Jim
11 :
I am Roman Catholic, and thus the pope would be considered my religious leader. Personally, I'd prefer it if they got rid of the "rich" things and spent the money on people who need it. But really, don't you see this in any place that tries to make itself really beautiful? The buildings are aesthetically pleasing instead of just doing a job. As for not following the pope, that would not be a question to all Christians but better directed at the different Christian groups, as beliefs differ and it is too hard to receive answers this way. Also, I don't think they spend as much money as you think. It always seems like more than it is. *divine not devinne
12 :
I agree about the Vatican. It could still have a very sacred showmanship without spending such ridiculous amounts of money. There's no excuse for using tithed money so flippantly. I don't think any particular religion is needed at all, but I know most people who donate to the churches think the money is going to God to be used for righteous things. It's a huge abuse of power. A bureaucracy to God basically. Incense and wine don't need to cost so much. If a corporation did something like that there would be a class action lawsuit against them for fraud.
13 :
I don't believe in the Vatican or priests either or religious spirits. But a church where they preach the truth---the whole council of God----is good. We do need that. We need the fellowship. We need to be accountable to someone, not just float around doing whatever we feel like doing. We get teaching in the church and prayer and help.
14 :
Wow, way to go Joe! I agree with you completely! The Roman church is false and doesn't have anything to do with Messiah's actual Church any how. Be Blessed:-)
15 :
The church may have many faults, but failing to give to charity is not one of them. What have you done in your own neighborhood?
16 :
but without religious leaders who will tell you what contradictions to follow and what ones to ignore on any given day??!!??
17 :
Makes you wonder doesn't, Joe: Yet as imperfect as the church is, Jesus ordained His disciples and commissioned them to establish churches. 1 Timothy tells how careful bishops must be selected, and mistakes have certainly been made. God knew this would happen and foretold it in the Bible. You can read about it and know understand where we are headed at: http://abiblecode.com Shalom, peace in Jesus, Ben Yeshua
18 :
Not all that comes from Rome Is so..... ( they are also men, imperfect, and hypocrites) Also includes all other Religions as well.. Just my observations...
19 :
Agree with you. do it!!!
20 :
yes
21 :
Sounds like your thinking is along the lines of St. Francis. He was a great saint who had an enormous impact on the Church and on medieval Europe. However, he did not deny the spiritual truth of God's Church on earth. If you read the book of Acts, the apostles were very poor and took care of the poor. However, Acts 8:14-17 clearly states that even though believers were baptized in Samaria, it was necessary for Peter and John - two of the founders of the Church - to travel there and lay on hands in order that the new believers receive the Spirit. This seems to clearly point to the necessity of some sort of structure to the Church, based on the original twelve apostles. Your criticisms are certainly valid, but that doesn't mean you have to reject the Church entirely. Look at the good as well as the bad, and seek reform rather than division.
22 :
There is so much unemployment everywhere that adding the clergy to the list will only make things worse. The money religious organisations receive is given to them. They do not tax their members. Members contribute willingly. Usually by the wealthy who in turn tell the religious leaders what they want. In turn, to keep their income incoming the religious leaders preach to the people and the people do what the clergy tells them god wants. You see it is all a form of control. God is the one who controls their pay-packet. It is the one who pays the piper who names the tune the piper plays. Have you never wondered why big business contribute huge sums to political funds? It is the same thing, they back the politician who will help further their business. Politics, religion. Same thing, there to make sure the little people work so that the leaders can live in luxury.
23 :
The Roman Catholic Church has fed and clothed more poor people in this world than any other non-governmental organization. Most of the lavish wealth you see in the Catholic Church was acquired as gifts. Gold chalices and candelabras and such would be improper to sell in most cases because they were gifts, usually donated in remembrance of a loved one. Perhaps instead of mocking The Pope with such verbose ranting, you could direct your creativity toward figuring out a way to feed people. Mother Theresa accomplished more for poor people in one day than I suspect you have thus far accomplished in your entire life. Some people probably could use your help right now. Please go and help them - if not now, then first thing tomorrow. Peace be with you.
24 :
It must be very comforting to be so very ignorant.
25 :
No, all religions need people who keep the religion going. The church serves as advertisement telling how powerful the church is. Without these things the church and religion would die.
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