could christains ever unite into a political party (in the USA) that cared about the poor?

and if they could would they? or dont christains care about the poor anymore?

A party like that would stress equality for social classes but not equality of different religions. The government is supposed to defend and represent it's citizens, and not all Americans are Christian.

But there are plenty of non-political Christian charities that support poor people.

but christains are still the majorty and while i may not be one of themi want to know what happand to them liking them the poor?

Even if Chriastians are a majority in a country does not mean that they will vote for a religious party. Not to clear on American law but isn't there something in your constitution about the government not respecting any religion.

[This message has been edited by MasterPython (edited 09-04-2004).]

I thought there was a separation of church and state in the US. Although it doesn't seem to stop bush from holding prayer sessions in the white house.

Charities for the most part help nobody but the people running them. I'm not sure about American charity laws but here in Canada you are only responsible to give 5% of what is taken in to the actual cause. Usually with religious charities, most of the money goes to the church.

Church fact: Did you know that if churches where taxed on income just as everyone else, the tax revenue would be so large that nobody else would have to pay taxes.

[This message has been edited by BaKeD_gOoDs (edited 09-04-2004).]

quote:Originally posted by BaKeD_gOoDs:



Church fact: Did you know that if churches where taxed on income just as everyone else, the tax revenue would be so large that nobody else would have to pay taxes.

[This message has been edited by BaKeD_gOoDs (edited 09-04-2004).]

I really doubt that

I could see that being true in Utah and a few other places.

quote:Originally posted by BaKeD_gOoDs:



Church fact: Did you know that if churches where taxed on income just as everyone else, the tax revenue would be so large that nobody else would have to pay taxes.



I'd believe it with the LDS Church, anyway, the thing is like a corporation! Plus, members have to pay 10% of their income to the church, and they have about 7-8 million members, I believe.

quote:Originally posted by CBaoth:

could christains ever unite into a political party (in the USA) that cared about the poor?

and if they could would they? or dont christains care about the poor anymore?

*LAUGHS OUT LOUD*

Christians don't care about the poor because they refuse to mix politics with faith ?

Pardon me, but maybe you should find out who FUNDS the majority of the homeless shelters in this country.

Talk about uneducated !

If you want to change things, stop sitting at your helm (a.k.a "computer") on your duff, and DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT ! Whining has never accomplished anything.

(I am sure the starving appreciate your complaints. It has made them full for at least a week !)

Oh, and why is it that only Christians should be responsible for the less fortunate ?

I thought athiests had morals, and were no different ethically than Christians are...why are they exempt from these acts of mercy ?

quote:Originally posted by CBaoth:

but christains are still the majorty and while i may not be one of themi want to know what happand to them liking them the poor?

The majority ? Where are you pulling your statistics from ?

Only 33% of the world's population is Christian, or at least claims to be.

- http://www.religioustolerance.org/worldrel.htm

You call that a majority ?

YAY ! The burden of curing the issues of the homeless is the sole burden of only 33% of the world !

That sounds fair.

I think he meant the majority of Americans.

There are SEVERAL christian-based coalitions that are centered around feeding the hungry. The reason they don't go political is because they operate more (*clears throat*) efficiently as a non-profit organization without a clear political allegiance. Of course, the funds are grossly misused (the Sally Struther's 80's scandal) just like in most NPO's, but that is just a given in most charities. I imagine the tax shelters are also structured differently for religious-based NPO's versus government sponsored ones.

The Heifer Project is probably one of the most successful NPO coalitions out there and they don't hold steadfast to any religion, nor do they spout their belief system as the major push behind their efforts. It's just human beings helping other human beings.

Alot of Christian charities and "outreach" ministries have a silent but golden rule hidden behind their philanthropy - You must accept (or pretend to accept) their value system, in return for the help.

Examples:

The Salvation Army It's great that it exists, but did you know that in return for three hot meals and shelter, it is MANDATORY that you attend their sermons? Sure, it's a small price to pay if you're homeless. But purchasing another person's religious allegiance by exploiting their basic human needs when they are at their most vulnerable just does not seem "moral" to me.

Alcoholics/Narcotics Anonymous Those folks really had me, at one time. And they did it when I was young, highly impressionable, and severely scatterbrained. I realize that as an organization, the group does not claim any real denominational allegiance, but they actually tricked me into believing that I could not cure my addictions without admitting to a "Higher Power"! They hammered into my brain the notion that I would be completely, utterly powerless without this "Higher Power" to guide me through those rough waters. Imagine my chagrin when I realized I could do it all on my own, without the aid of a diety. I feel I owe my success to holding myself accountable and responsible, not to admitting that I was powerless over my addiction.

Advocates for Battered Women One of the first "initiation processes" into this shelter is to be baptised, saved and thoroughly worked over by the local churches, who raise money to fund the majority of the Shelters. Exhibit signs of disobedience to their strict values and find yourself back on the curb, where you came from.

I think the above three organizations are necessary, and helpful to alot of people, and successful in their own rite because so many have been helped by their efforts. I just wanted to point out that they had a manipulative agenda behind it. The agenda being to Change your Mind and Infect You with their Dogmatic Memes.

All christian denominations are "supposed" to pay 10%, mormons just seem to practice it.

I think there could be a Christian party but i doubt they'd get elected. Not only that, i doubt all christians could agree on social issues as they relate to the bible.

I'm a christian, and i think Abortion should be legal. I know some christians would have a problem with that.

There are several major christian foundations that specialize in helping the poor.

Just off the top of my head I know that the Goodwill and/or The Salvation Army are.

Cheers,

Lost

There goes the idea of seperation of chuch and state.... O.o

quote:Originally posted by Gyhth:

There goes the idea of seperation of chuch and state.... O.o

Charities are private. They have nothing to do with State.

quote:Originally posted by MasterPython:

Charities are private. They have nothing to do with State.



I know, I was stating to the idea of a political party ran by someone of any religion. If they do get elected, there would probally be alot of laws to make the world the way thir religion wants it to be.

Ya,

Hopfuly Bush won't get re-elected.

That "Tax Fact" could be partially true. The Catholic church and the LDS church would have to give large amounts of their revenue.

But TheBishop, 10% tything is not biblically supported whatsoever. So no, not "All christian denominations are supposed to pay 10% to their churches". Just lettin you know. It's mostly the Catholics and LDS's that strongly strongly encourage it. I would assume many other individual churches have some greedy pastors, but no other sects "encourage" it so much.

^ the Sean is right... the 10% titheing thing is dodgey.. and yet it's increasingly promoted in mainline churches (including the one I go to).

If they want to encourage you to tithe 10% then they should also be encouraging you to snip the tip and go kosher.

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law." -Gal. 5

I still think that giving, whether that be to a church or to the bloke down the road that hates you, is important. . You may find, personally that it is a worthwhile practice, however imposing a tithe requirement is a bit shady though.

Edit: re: the Salvation Army... i dunno what it's like in other countries, but in Australia, the Sallies pretty good when it comes to not having "stings attached" for their assistance. Though, from the outset they're fairly clear about the fact that the reason they do what they do is because social justice is a fundamental part of the good news.

Edit 2: String attached: Oh one thing I did just remember was that in the inner city if you want accomodation and you're an alcho, they won't let you stay unless you go into rehab/ AA. Which not all alcho's want to do, well, from experience anyway.

[This message has been edited by inquisitor_11 (edited 09-06-2004).]

[This message has been edited by inquisitor_11 (edited 09-06-2004).]