{1}Are preachers of religious groups{any group} really needed?

{2} What/who gives them the power to tell about God/gods?

{3}Why does a religious leader get more respect then Joe down the street? What has he dune to be where he/she is?

{4}Why does a preacher need offerings, what is he/she getting payed for? I'm not talking about building repair etc... more like some of these guys on TV with big rings and fancy cars.


The reason I'm asking is if you believe in God then why would you need another person to tell you about him/her/it?

Which actually goes further and asks, what is the point in Churchs. Stigmata the film mentioned,

"The Kingdom of God is inside you (and all around you) , not in mansions of wood and stone. Split a piece of wood and I am there lift a stone and you will find me."

or as the GOD 2 tv channel would have you believe

The Kingdom of God is in churches, not in your homes, Come to our live seminar and i am there, pay some cash and you will find me.

The actual real statement above i do find humbiling and within its words has tingled the possibility of something. Strange how a paragraph will do that.

1) They are needed, if the only point of the Church system is to RECRUIT followers rather than alloy them to find God in their own time and in their own way.

2) They give themselves power, and over the years this has built to an awesome pot of power.

3) Because they are somehow closer to God, which is of course obviously bullshit but they manage to make people believe it.

4) I dont know, but i assume people give these things to appease their god and since the preachers know god on a freinds basis, they can drop these gifts off to him when they next pop over.

Originally posted by mad dog
{1}Are preachers of religious groups{any group} really needed?

{2} What/who gives them the power to tell about God/gods?

{3}Why does a religious leader get more respect then Joe down the street? What has he dune to be where he/she is?

{4}Why does a preacher need offerings, what is he/she getting payed for? I'm not talking about building repair etc... more like some of these guys on TV with big rings and fancy cars.

1) Depends what you need them for. The two rather liberal denominations I've associated myself with use pastors more as teachers, not as people with the power to condemn others or as conduits of God's word, as the Roman Catholics believe.

2) In many denominations, several years of intense religious study. In others, not a damn thing.

3) See #2

4) Teaching, counseling, etc.

In my experience, the more "mainline" denominations require a lot of schooling, education, practice, etc. before you can become a pastor. Churches go out and interview pastors before picking the best fit for their church. Some of the more evangelical denominations seem to have looser educational requirements. And regardless of education, it seems like it's the pastor that starts the church and sort of "owns" it. I know locally there's at least one very large evangelical congregation that was founded by a pastor and was handed down somehow to his son, who's now the pastor. I have no idea how it is that these pastors have so much say in the operations of the church which should belong to the congregants.

Mad dog, as I have said before. It could be that you are not so mad after all.
You already know from my previous posts that I do not believe in preachers. Lokideviluk spoke of the God within. An inexperienced person could use an aware teacher in the beginning, but the actual adventure to finding your ties with all that is lies with the individual.
A teacher could put them on the right path to learning.
This-constant paying- to spread the religion and build temples seems a bit too much to me. Hell I have talked with some pias ministers that seemed to look down on people yet lived a high life style off their money.
One time a minister was talking to two other men when I walked up to the conversation. He was speaking of the evils of lying to another person. I asked "preacher would you lie" he said no, under no circumstances.
I said what if you were standing in the doorway of your fancy church and saw a husband and wife approaching that were two of the most generous money supporters of your church. She was wearing the most ugly hat you have ever seen in your life. She walks up to you and asks"preacher, how do you think of my new hat?" I then asked the preacher what he was going to say. He thought a second and said, "I see what you mean." In other words he would lie for profit.

Originally posted by mad dog
{1}Are preachers of religious groups{any group} really needed?

{2} What/who gives them the power to tell about God/gods?

{3}Why does a religious leader get more respect then Joe down the street? What has he dune to be where he/she is?

{4}Why does a preacher need offerings, what is he/she getting payed for? I'm not talking about building repair etc... more like some of these guys on TV with big rings and fancy cars.


The reason I'm asking is if you believe in God then why would you need another person to tell you about him/her/it?

1. Just the same as math teachers are needed for math.....they inform people about God....call it an introduction if you will. They also support practicing christians with advice, comfort, and are generally the most good-natured people on the planet.

2. The bible declares for people to spread the word of God...the book of matthew says to let your faith shine before men.

3. A religious leader is no better then anyone else in God's eyes. He loves everyone. However, a religious leader may get more respect from people because they have devoted their entire lives to God and spreading God's word, just like a pro basketball player gets more respect when playing basketball then your average joe.

4. Offerings in a church SHOULD go towards the church, any guy you see on tv trying to get your donations is probably a phony. Its sick that people try to use God's word to make money....

Lokidevilduk:

1} this is my point, does a preacher need to recruit if God is within?

2-3}agree

4} :)

Lionel;

1} I would rather see it more like a teacher student type deal, or even of a place of learning for everyone. It does turn some off{away} when they are told how to believe.

2}the intense study I find interesting, if no one has really met god to get the rules then how does a person study. I can go to a automotive class and learn what makes a sparkplug spark but in the study of God/gods/higher power your really only studying your personal belief??? Almost like a self hypnosis course. 2 people can read the same Bible they each come away with a different point of view, now we end up with 2 different churches. Both are correct if a person believes in them but neither are correct if church 3 says they're full of bull.

4} I like this answer, there is also charity helping others etc....My question was more towards these guys that preach about giving giving giving and then they get into a limo and drive to thier $400,000 home.

I also agree with you last statement.

Originally posted by Decka
1. Just the same as math teachers are needed for math.....they inform people about God....call it an introduction if you will.

1 apple plus another apple makes 2 apples {unless they're run over then it would be applesause :) } What a person feels is not the same as truth it is an inner truth. Anything more would be a teaching to form a bigger group. I can tell what I feel about God Dan could give his view of God and Billy G. could give his view. Which one of us knows more then the other and who should folks follow? The difference between the 3 of us is that Dan and I see no reason to push our believes on another. Billy G. needs followers, maybe otherwise he might feel he is incorrect.

They also support practicing christians with advice, comfort, and are generally the most good-natured people on the planet.

This is true for the most part but what happens when we give a man power and he abuses it. Some preachers do give good advice on marriage, children, etc... maybe they should work for social services. They truely can not give advice about God they can only give advice of their personal{or the churches} feelings

2. The bible declares for people to spread the word of God...the book of matthew says to let your faith shine before men.

The Bible is a book written by man it was a teaching tool for the times it is not Gods word. It was mans way of trying to get folks on somewhat the same note, stop violence etc.... Let your faith shine, maybe all this means is be proud of who you are and how you feel, don't hide behind a church door???

3. A religious leader is no better then anyone else in God's eyes. He loves everyone.

If he loves everyone then there is no need for a preacher. Can Christians have a church{place to meet} without a preacher?

However, a religious leader may get more respect from people because they have devoted their entire lives to God and spreading God's word,

Then why not give God the respect instead of another man. What good did it do for Granny to give all her money to the church while she was home without heat? I hear all the time how 90 year Bobo is freezing to death but I never hear about preacher John freezing to death? This does happen alot Granny will give her last cent to the church, the question is does a church really need grannys' last penny?

just like a pro basketball player gets more respect when playing basketball then your average joe.

Overall you are correct, but in my case I am a realist and I would rather crap On the Pro ball player. I have never agreed with over paid sport players and underpaid hard working folks. Society has let the whole sport thing get way out of hand. We killed off are farmers but what the heck we have Dippwad over here that can make a basket. This also brings up another question is big religion just another product of society, kind of a go with the flow idea?

4. Offerings in a church SHOULD go towards the church, any guy you see on tv trying to get your donations is probably a phony. Its sick that people try to use God's word to make money....

This is how alot of folks see things but there are still millions that believe in the TV otherwise the shows wouldn't be there. I don't mind giving to Christian groups as long as they can tell me what they are doing with the money{no I'm not Christian}. What I will not do is just give without reason, or knowing what the plan is.

O also the thing about Does a Preacher need to Preach of he has found God relates to this...

People whom take those self help classes with titles such as "Light my fire" and "Guiding light" which is basically life couching come away from it changed for the better (most of the time) they then go on a preach to as many people that its amazing that it will change their lifes, that they can be completely happy and fulfilled people, and they do all of this because they believe and they WANT these other people to be as happy as them.

I believe thats why some preachers and some devout christians do it, they see their lifes full of happiness and purpose (albeit preaching as a purpose) and they go out and want to make their family and their freinds find this happiness.

This is probably the reason they are all so fundementally confused when we wont accept it, because to them thats like us saying "no i refuse to find the ultimate happiness, i just refuse".

I cant believe in God, its a mental impossibility because through my parents and learning, i believe its impossible that he/she/it exists. It would be like me trying to force myself to believe in Santa Claus.

Originally posted by mad dog
{1}Are preachers of religious groups{any group} really needed?

I dont think attending church automatically makes you a better Christian than someone else.

I do believe that attending church and learning from the pastor helps you grow spiritually. Your tree must produce fruit afterall.



Originally posted by mad dog
{2} What/who gives them the power to tell about God/gods?

God CALLS those who serve him. In any field rather it be preching, teaching, missonary, or just whitnessing and spreading his word. God qualified the called, not calls the qualified.

Originally posted by mad dog
{3}Why does a religious leader get more respect then Joe down the street? What has he dune to be where he/she is?

He shouldnt be looked at any better than any other Christian. He is the same in God's eyes as the rest of us.

Originally posted by mad dog
{4}Why does a preacher need offerings, what is he/she getting payed for? I'm not talking about building repair etc... more like some of these guys on TV with big rings and fancy cars.

Most preachers devout their life to ministry. They have to live too. I see nothing wrong with them being payed for their services.


Originally posted by mad dog
The reason I'm asking is if you believe in God then why would you need another person to tell you about him/her/it?

You dont necessarily have to. But how many of us are born biblical scholars? Most people have an eternal will to learn. Especially when it involved their life and spirituality.

shit

Originally posted by jerejerebinks
shit
Eh?

Yeh what was the 'shit' for?

I deeply apologize for that. My friend, Josh, wrote it.

Originally posted by mad dog
2}the intense study I find interesting, if no one has really met god to get the rules then how does a person study. I can go to a automotive class and learn what makes a sparkplug spark but in the study of God/gods/higher power your really only studying your personal belief???


That's true, but at least you're basing your interpretation of the bible on a thorough knowledge of its contents, as opposed to the people that read one passage and use it to put others down.

Originally posted by jerejerebinks
Most preachers devout their life to ministry. They have to live too. I see nothing wrong with them being payed for their services.

Me either. Of course all of the pastors I knew had three bedroom houses and drove Hondas, not fancy suits, Rolexes, and Cadillacs. I see some of these mega-churches sometimes and I have to wonder if the pastor isn't building a little monument to himself.

Originally posted by jerejerebinks
shit

Been under age drinking again eh?

Originally posted by mad dog
{1}Are preachers of religious groups{any group} really needed?

Yes we do need people to preach and teach the Word to others so they can grow spiritually. I, myself have learned a lot from going to church and from preachers and teachers. It really helps in my walk with God.

{2} What/who gives them the power to tell about God/gods?

The Holy Spirit is the One who does that. As Jerejere said "God qualifies the called, not calls the qualified." It is the annointing of the Holy Spirit that

{3}Why does a religious leader get more respect then Joe down the street? What has he dune to be where he/she is?[/QUOTE]

Everyone should be treated equal. Do you really feel that they get more respect? I certainly don't see it that way. It's just that if your on the pulpit, since your in front of everyone preaching/teaching to everyone, you will get noticed. Not that it makes you any better than anyopne.

Also, let's sday that your involved in ministry and you relly take your ministry seriously. You go out and reach out to people, you spend time with God in prayer and in His Word, let's say that you prophectically minister to people and have made a difference in the lives of many, do you not deserve respect? It's not because you are any better, but you did sincerely go out and make a difference.

{4}Why does a preacher need offerings, what is he/she getting payed for? I'm not talking about building repair etc... more like some of these guys on TV with big rings and fancy cars.

When you are a preacher, you are supposed to be in full time ministry. They need to earn a living too. Just like people earn a living when going to work.


The reason I'm asking is if you believe in God then why would you need another person to tell you about him/her/it?

So that you can understand the ways of the Lord and how He wants us to live and so that you can understand the bible properly.

Originally posted by LionelHutz


And regardless of education, it seems like it's the pastor that starts the church and sort of "owns" it. I know locally there's at least one very large evangelical congregation that was founded by a pastor and was handed down somehow to his son, who's now the pastor. I have no idea how it is that these pastors have so much say in the operations of the church which should belong to the congregants. [/B]

The pastor of a church does not own the church. A pastor is a shephard over God's flock. They are to lead God's people in the right direction.It required caring for the flock(people in the church) and providing spiritual food for their growth and developement, leadership, guidance and counsel. Pasotrs are to be people who have vision and willingness to the development of the people in the church in their calling. Each person has a calling from the Lord. the pastor should help guide them in that.

Originally posted by the J Man
The pastor of a church does not own the church. A pastor is a shephard over God's flock. They are to lead God's people in the right direction.It required caring for the flock(people in the church) and providing spiritual food for their growth and developement, leadership, guidance and counsel. Pasotrs are to be people who have vision and willingness to the development of the people in the church in their calling. Each person has a calling from the Lord. the pastor should help guide them in that.

That was basically a meaningless platitude that didn't answer the question. Why is it that many evangelical churches are run seemingly forever by the founding pastor? And how does a church get passed down from a pastor to his son? Your response is how it should be, but it ignores reality.

Ive never heard of a pastor handing down his title to his son

shit

Originally posted by jerejerebinks
shit
Jere, wtf is wrong with you lately?

Too many vodka's

Originally posted by the J Man
So that you can understand the ways of the Lord and how He wants us to live and so that you can understand the bible properly.

Thanks for your reply but this stands out the most to me. If you believe Christ is lord and that the Bible is a teaching tool then another persons{preacher} opinion is not building your belief. Why can't religious people just meet at each others House, school gym, Billy Bob's barn. Wouldn't this be just as good everyone one sits in a circle and talks about their feelings. What I'm trying to say is if you believe{without a doubt} then what good is another mans opinion? The preacher doesn't know anymore about God then Phil down at the corner 7-11.

Also the Bible is a BIG issue it has been intepretated and turned inside and upside down so much how does anyone know it better then another? Why is it that 2 people{including preachers} can read the Bible and come away with 2 different opinions? which preacher is correct and which is not?

Originally posted by mad dog
Thanks for your reply but this stands out the most to me. If you believe Christ is lord and that the Bible is a teaching tool then another persons{preacher} opinion is not building your belief. Why can't religious people just meet at each others House, school gym, Billy Bob's barn. Wouldn't this be just as good everyone one sits in a circle and talks about their feelings. What I'm trying to say is if you believe{without a doubt} then what good is another mans opinion? The preacher doesn't know anymore about God then Phil down at the corner 7-11.

Also the Bible is a BIG issue it has been intepretated and turned inside and upside down so much how does anyone know it better then another? Why is it that 2 people{including preachers} can read the Bible and come away with 2 different opinions? which preacher is correct and which is not?

I believe another person's opinion could definitely build my belief or alter my opinion. Would it not be arrogant to believe otherwise? Spirituality or religious belief or conviction is like anything else in our lives. The more we are exposed to, the more we learn and grow. No one person can have all the answers. Isn't that half the fun of discussion boards. It's not the people who necessarily agree with us that we grow the most from. It is the people who challenge our beliefs and opinions who cause us to stretch the most or perhaps reconsider a certain "held truth".

The bible was not written in English. It is also open to interpretation. You may see things one way, me another. Also there are scholars who devote their whole lives to biblical/religious study. Look at rabbis, priests, and preachers, they have more experience than I. Why would I not listen?

The preacher or rabbi may indeed know waaaaaaaaay more about God than Billy-Bob down the street. Then again Billy-Bob may know more.

What is wrong with two people having two separate opinions about a bible passage. Perhaps it speaks to each of us according to our need. Isn't that how a higher, all-knowing power would be. Isn't that the way you would be with your children. Each according to their need?

Originally posted by ~Sal~
I believe another person's opinion could definitely build my belief or alter my opinion. Would it not be arrogant to believe otherwise? Spirituality or religious belief or conviction is like anything else in our lives. The more we are exposed to, the more we learn and grow. No one person can have all the answers.

I also agree another person would help to get the mind turning, but what good is a preacher? People go to church wouldn't it be better to have no leader and just learn from each other? People don't go to church to listen to Joe, Sue, Bill, Sarah, or phil talk they go to hear a preacher. The Preacher tells you how to feel and how to act. The last part of your post says alot NO ONE person has the answer so why liisten to the few preachers? Would you listen to the Pope or Phil at the 7-11, who would know more?


Isn't that half the fun of discussion boards. It's not the people who necessarily agree with us that we grow the most from. It is the people who challenge our beliefs and opinions who cause us to stretch the most or perhaps reconsider a certain "held truth".

I agree 100% this is one reason I left the Catholic church. I would rather learn about the individual instead of how a priest feels. When we get caught up in man taught religion are we really feeling the power of a higher force or are we feeling the power that men have given to one man?

The bible was not written in English. It is also open to interpretation. You may see things one way, me another. Also there are scholars who devote their whole lives to biblical/religious study. Look at rabbis, priests, and preachers, they have more experience than I. Why would I not listen?

They may devote their lives to the study of their opinion it still does not mean they know anymore about God then you or I. They are reading others interpretations and then {in some cases} forming their own. Why is their opinion about god better then yours, Drews, Dans or mine. I would think it would be better to hear alot of different personal views then have one man tell me how it is.


The preacher or rabbi may indeed know waaaaaaaaay more about God than Billy-Bob down the street. Then again Billy-Bob may know more.

exactly my point, what proof does a preacher have that his way is correct except that he went to a school that supported his opinion? Is man made religion really the truth or is it a way to form a following?

What is wrong with two people having two separate opinions about a bible passage. Perhaps it speaks to each of us according to our need. Isn't that how a higher, all-knowing power would be. Isn't that the way you would be with your children. Each according to their need?

Again I see NO problem with this 2 people should compare thoughts, but is the preachers point of view more correct just because of who he is? There are preachers that say the whole story of Noah is true{group a}. Then their are preachers that say it only happened in a part of the world{group b}. Lets say preacher B comes from Hicksville NY and preacher A is the Pope who would get more followers? Does church give power to men to help form a bigger following? The bigger the following the more power one has, the more power the more money?

Originally posted by BorgHunter
Jere, wtf is wrong with you lately?

Dude! I told you, it's Josh doing that. I cant get it logged out from his house.

I also agree another person would help to get the mind turning, but what good is a preacher? People go to church wouldn't it be better to have no leader and just learn from each other? People don't go to church to listen to Joe, Sue, Bill, Sarah, or phil talk they go to hear a preacher. The Preacher tells you how to feel and how to act. The last part of your post says alot NO ONE person has the answer so why liisten to the few preachers? Would you listen to the Pope or Phil at the 7-11, who would know more?

Most people need leadership. They desire it. If it works for them and gives them comfort...excellent! A preacher will have a proclivity to think and believe and live in a certain way. Will some be lead astray by certain preachers? Yeah there will always be Jim Jones types and those that will follow them. But in general they have a spiritual approach to their lives which many desire.

You seem to have a great deal of faith in Joe, Sue and Bill. Not only to think clearly in general but to think clearly spiritually about their own experiences. I on the other hand do not. Although many people are introspective, I do not believe that is the majority.

That is why I would listen to the pope over Phil at the 7-11. I would listen to a rabbi over Phil at the 7-11. I would listen to a doctor diagnosing me over a nurse. Could the nurses perhaps be correct over the doctor. Yes. But it is about degree of experience and what people do with their lives and how they handle things.

What is with the desire to tear preachers and priests away from people?





I agree 100% this is one reason I left the Catholic church. I would rather learn about the individual instead of how a priest feels. When we get caught up in man taught religion are we really feeling the power of a higher force or are we feeling the power that men have given to one man?

Well that is excellent that you feel confident in your own abilities to find your own way. Don't forget about the church that you come from though. You know they are probably one of the churches with such a strong foundation in place that they in fact are more tolerant than most churches. Ironic really.

I come from the same church. But the history of said church is full of mystery and mysticism. It is my base and I am glad for that because I think it is the very reason I am so open minded with regard to universal possibilities. Could I discuss my beliefs with a priest. Yes, and would he understand where I am coming from better than Phil at 7-11. Definitely. Could Phil teach me some new things...possibly.

They may devote their lives to the study of their opinion it still does not mean they know anymore about God then you or I. They are reading others interpretations and then {in some cases} forming their own. Why is their opinion about god better then yours, Drews, Dans or mine. I would think it would be better to hear alot of different personal views then have one man tell me how it is.

I agree with you here, but I think too one must always consider the source. Just because he is a preacher doesn't make him wrong either.

exactly my point, what proof does a preacher have that his way is correct except that he went to a school that supported his opinion? Is man made religion really the truth or is it a way to form a following?

Form a following for what exactly? A Christian following of fellow believers who hold the same notions. What is wrong with that. They worship together in Christian fellowship. That's their choice.

We have no proof that the preacher is right or wrong but we have no proof that we are either. We make our choices and decisions and live with them.

Basically what it comes down to is trust in one's self to discern if what others tell us is right for us or not. If not we reject it and move on.

Although I am a lapsed Catholic I have not thrown out all that the church taught me nor all that my priest instructed me on. I feel much was right and correct for me. I feel there is much truth there. Do they hold the whole truth. No. But to just throw away r disregard all religious institutions and instructors to me would be pointless.

The Bible warns of false teachers.

Originally posted by jerejerebinks
The Bible warns of false teachers.

So who is the true and who is the false? You have one preacher that teaches that God Jesus and the Ghost are one in the same. You have another preacher that teaches they are seperate, so who is true?

Originally posted by ~Sal~
Most people need leadership. They desire it. If it works for them and gives them comfort...excellent!

I do agree that some folks are week and need to follow others opinions. You are also correct if it makes them happy, then have fun. But the question in these cases, are they following or do they truely believing?

Yeah there will always be Jim Jones types and those that will follow them.

Please don't think I am trying to put all preachers into a Jim Jones or David K type of person, they were extreme and the people that followed them had a screw lose.

You seem to have a great deal of faith in Joe, Sue and Bill.

No I don't have faith in any other human my faith comes from within and natures law. I just feel that people should not be lead around and told how to think{when it comes to a belief}. I feel we can learn from all walks of life not just one.

That is why I would listen to the pope over Phil at the 7-11. I would listen to a rabbi over Phil at the 7-11. I would listen to a doctor diagnosing me over a nurse. Could the nurses perhaps be correct over the doctor. Yes.

A doctor can show proof of what he has learned a preacher can not. This is my whole point preaching is a matter of opinion that may or maynot be correct there is no way of knowing. faith spiritual feelings God has to come from within, a preacher can only give his/her opinion.


What is with the desire to tear preachers and priests away from people?

I have no desire to tear a preacher away from people that need them, I am only questioning where is their proof of being the one true teaching. No human knows God/higher power/gods anymore then the next. But if a man reads the Bible and goes to a man made school {of opinions} all of a sudden he is telling Gods word. Where is the proof that he{the preacher} knows this is Gods word? I am also not just asking this about Christians it covers all Big Man Made Relgion.




Well that is excellent that you feel confident in your own abilities to find your own way.

The real deal is that I had to get away from man made religion to find or feel a faith in something higher. The church held me back and even made me disbelieve in anything for awhile.


I agree with you here, but I think too one must always consider the source. Just because he is a preacher doesn't make him wrong either.

I'm really not trying to make a preacher look wrong or right I'm just trying to figure out why a preachers point of view is more correct then Joe Bobs. After all a preacher is only giving his opinion. I find it interesting that a person can go to school and build an education on opinion. A doctor, mechanic, nurse, truck driver, can all go to school and learn something that is physically real. A preacher goes and expands on his opinion, it just seems like a waste atleast until someone can prove they have the one true religion


Form a following for what exactly? A Christian following of fellow believers who hold the same notions. What is wrong with that. They worship together in Christian fellowship. That's their choice.

Yesteryears religion was power, the bigger the pack the more power, and in some cases it still holds alot of truth. I see nothing wrong with a group of like minded folks getting together but does it need to be so commercialized. Once again I'm not just talking about Christians, I just feel that some followings are still about the money and power instead of the real deal faith in a higher power.

We have no proof that the preacher is right or wrong but we have no proof that we are either. We make our choices and decisions and live with them.

This is why I asked the questions if the preacher has no proof then he is not needed anymore than you or I. 2 people with different opinions about a higher power should be able to sit down and learn from each other. A preacher is there to keep people on a 1 track mind, don't dare question, even if you do it's wrong.

Although I am a lapsed Catholic I have not thrown out all that the church taught me nor all that my priest instructed me on. I feel much was right and correct for me. I feel there is much truth there. Do they hold the whole truth. No. But to just throw away r disregard all religious institutions and instructors to me would be pointless.

I don't want to through away the institutions just the dictaters{Not all preachers dictate, but alot do}. Could there be a church with out all the fire and brimstone. Turn on the TV and check out some of the top preachers in the country. They all seem to use the scare tactic, believe what I am teaching or you'll go to hell. Why not just have a show that lets people question and learn. After all we are talking about preaching not teaching.

I don't want to through away the institutions just the dictaters{Not all preachers dictate, but alot do}. Could there be a church with out all the fire and brimstone. Turn on the TV and check out some of the top preachers in the country. They all seem to use the scare tactic, believe what I am teaching or you'll go to hell. Why not just have a show that lets people question and learn. After all we are talking about preaching not teaching.

Well after hashing it out for x number of posts, I have to say there is really not much in your last one that I would adamantly disagree with. We may phrase it in a different manner, and we may even conclude it for a different reason, but for the most part our thoughts on this are "fairly" parallel. I do not like the scare tactic crap either. Probably one of the reasons I LOVE to argue with Jehovah's Witness believers. When God commanded his people to "fear" Him, he didn't mean crap your pants in my presense.

My God is a God of love. I just know we are a spark from God. If I can love another enough not to want them to go to "hell" for eternity, my God is a zillion times more loving than I. Therefore that beleif has got to be a load of garbage. It all comes down to life experience and listening to our hearts. There is much truth in Chrisitanity but God must truly cringe to hear our bastardization of his Love and the Truth. There again, he loves us so maybe he just shrugs and hopes we get it more clearly with each time around.

Cheers and catch ya in the next thread.

I do agree Sal we probably do see things somewhat the same. I hope I did not seem to harsh with my posts. I just find some things interesting and curious. I also believe that some preachers do more harm then good when they use the whole hell deal as their selling point.

Originally posted by mad dog
I do agree Sal we probably do see things somewhat the same. I hope I did not seem to harsh with my posts. I just find some things interesting and curious. I also believe that some preachers do more harm then good when they use the whole hell deal as their selling point.

Not harsh at all. But even if you had been, one can still be harsh and respectful. A good discussion is good for the soul... :)