great thread.

no really broke it down with that knowledge jewel at the end.

 

Don't know all about Mormonism, but in Christianity, it isn't required to give 10% tithing for salvation - this is a gross misconception. And no, they don't recruit to get 10% of everyone's income so they would become some kind of a multi billion dollar business organization. The only requirement is accepting Christ, unlike the Mormons. I believe they also have their own book tacked on claiming the Bible isn't "enough."

The 10% tithing is a way of showing thanks to God for all done in his/her life, furthermore, the church obviously needs money to operate, but I've never witnessed a properly run church producing lavish income described or perceived by many, so lavish that the pastors would be driving 3 brand new Lexuxes or MBs with nice houses and Armani suits. Also, the Bible says God will be more pleased with some beggar off the street tossing a nickel into the basket than some filthy rich guy throwing in a grand every week in everyone's view and flaunting his wealth. All in the heart, NOTHING to do with quantity.

My pastor has a small home provided by the church, we lease him a bare bones minivan so he and his family could get to places, and provide his family with health/dental insurance. In addition, his annual gross salary is $25k to cover him and his family. I don't consider that lavish by any stretch. He's not in it for the money. Yet, he's one of the most thankful people I've ever met.

 

Ahhh...don't ever forget this little fact, there are a lot of brilliant scientists and geniuses within the Catholic Church, who are also priests. In my life, I've met several of priests who are absolutely brilliant scientists and educators. Are they stupid for believing in Christianity? That is up to each one's personal beliefs, but it is no doubt that their intelligence is brilliant.

 

Speaking from a Christian perspective - that is one promise you won't be able to keep. Not even the most disciplined monk who ever lived will be able to uphold it. Sinning is human nature. It's like asking you not to breathe to live, you can't. Even Christians sin (not speaking for all who claim to be a Christian now), nobody is perfect, however for Christians, sinning becomes and approaches more or less the exception, not the rule, through the process of change driven by the Lord in your life once you accept Christ.

 

Some of most brilliant minds have admitted and entertained a possibility and likelihood for a higher power.

 

My problem isn't with believing in a higher power. It is with organized religions in general. Being spiritual doesn't necessarily mean being religious.

 

from now on, p0pe (not The Pope, but p0pe) is my official spokesperson on all things religious/spritual.

 

and thats what the judge is gonna tell your wife!

 

And a whole bunch of 'em found it - Just look at all the superchargers and turbos in the gallery section.

 

I would ask one very simple question.

Why is man/woman so evil?