Why I Am No Longer A Republican

[EdwinWillers]

Huh? Jesus clearly states, in Luke, Mark, and Matthew

"it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God"

Given that it's impossible for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, what do you think that means?

It literally means it's impossible for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.

I bet, if Jesus stated that it was impossible for rich people to enter heaven, you'd still find ways to ignore it.

What is your example based on? Nothing in the bible.
You do not think it is a sin for someone to have 6 houses, and does not give a single house to someone who is poor?

What would Jesus tell that rich man? Don't worry about giving to the poor, he didn't EARN it. Don't make me laugh.

Ok, it's time for "the question."

What is "rich?"

 

[MachZer0]

LOL, is that your example? You must not know the bible. Go read Chronicles 29:3.

David died a POOR man. He gave all his wordily possessions to God. Go ahead and ignore what Jesus says about the rich.

You cannot be rich without worshipping money which is a false idol. Because if you placed God above money, you would give your money away as Jesus calls you to.

The fact, you see poor people in this world and have not given up your wealth as Jesus commands, is a fact you worship money above God, and that is a sin.

It is a sin to be rich. Just because you cannot get over your love of money, go on keep trying to find ways to justify it's right to be rich.

That's a classic case of twisting Scripture

 

[ObamaChristian]

Uh... Abraham was rich; most - if not all of the patriarchs were rich; David was rich; Solomon was the richest person on earth at the time; Nicodemus was rich; Luke was a doctor and probably therefore not exactly poor; Joseph, in who's tomb Jesus was laid was rich; Cornelius was pretty well off, as were Prisca and Aquilla, Lydia, and et. al.; Job was remarkably wealthy - at God's hand no less - and the list goes on, and on, and on; Billy Graham is rich - heck, most every Christian in the western world is "rich" by many standards.

So tell us, why aren't they getting to heaven?

I am willing to bet all of them gave away their wealth. Do you think Jesus lied when he said rich people can't enter the kingdom of God? David gave away his wealth and that is stated in the bible. You also don't know how many of these people compared to people around them. It could be they were in situations were everyone had similar wealth, also we have no idea what they ended up doing with their wealth in many cases. But what Jesus said is specific.

How do you know Luke was rich just for being a doctor? He could easily have cured sick people for no fees, like Jesus did. So in your mind, Luke is capitalistic, and charges market rates for the sick, while he followed Jesus. Get real.

No, Jesus died to help those people, so many people who sin will get into heaven. Do you honestly think that if you are rich, and you see vast amounts of poor people in the world, and you don't give your wealth away, you are not placing money above God?

 

[ObamaChristian]

That's a classic case of twisting Scripture

Again, one sentence statements that offers nothing.

 

[ObamaChristian]

That's a classic case of twisting Scripture

So David kept his wealth and didn't give it to God is how you read that passage?

 

[Archaeopteryx]

Good grief - it is not a sin to be rich. One doesn't need to "worship money" to have money. The sin is in worshipping money, loving money more than God. Jesus plainly stated it's not possible to worship God and money at the same time - but that does not mean it's not possible to have money and worship God. I mean, seriously - who teaches such nonsense? More importantly, who believes it?

In principle, yes, but in practice, probably very difficult.

 

[MachZer0]

Again, one sentence statements that offers nothing.

Anyone can read the Scripture for themselves and see that the one sentence was accurate

 

[MachZer0]

So David kept his wealth and didn't give it to God is how you read that passage?

He kept enough that he remained rich.

 

[XB3LI3V3RX]

Huh? Jesus clearly states, in Luke, Mark, and Matthew "it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God" Given that it's impossible for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, what do you think that means? It literally means it's impossible for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. I bet, if Jesus stated that it was impossible for rich people to enter heaven, you'd still find ways to ignore it. What is your example based on? Nothing in the bible. You do not think it is a sin for someone to have 6 houses, and does not give a single house to someone who is poor? What would Jesus tell that rich man? Don't worry about giving to the poor, he didn't EARN it. Don't make me laugh.

Well here is part of an article speaking on the subject.
"The Bible clearly indicates that God has blessed people with wealth. Also, keep in mind that some of the most holy and righteous people in the Bible were wealthy. God blessed Job with wealth after testing him. God blessed King Solomon with both wealth and wisdom. In fact, Solomon is considered the wealthiest person who has ever lived.

God also blessed Abraham, Jacob, and many others with wealth. So this indicates that God does not view being rich or having money as being sinful. If that were the case, He would not have blessed so many faithful people with money. There is nothing wrong with saving money, working hard to better your life, setting financial goals, or even being wealthy/rich.

However, let us not forget the dangers of money as well. Money becomes a tool of the enemy (Satan) when we spend every hour of the day plotting on how to make more money. Or if we do immoral or corrupt/evil things just to get more money. Or if we are very wealthy & we refuse to help others by giving financial help when they need it badly.

All of these things make money evil. Money itself isn't evil, and even having a lot of money isn't a sin or evil. It is the worship of money that is evil. It is falling for the temptation to sin or doing wrong just to get money. That is the problem.

The Bible warns us of this kind of behavior in two scriptures below:

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (NIV, Matthew 6:19-21)

"Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle." (NIV, Proverbs 23:4-5)

It is truth that money doesn't make you happy. In fact, some of the most wealthy people in the world have committed suicide, had diseases & problems that all of the money in the world couldn't cure. I love the quote by Zig Ziglar that says, "Money won't make you happy, but everyone wants to find out for themselves."

Regardless of your net worth, you will still die on this earth. You will witness hardships, lies, fears, health problems, sadness, frustrations, and all of the other human emotions. Sometimes great wealth also carries with it greater problems and burdens.

True happiness only comes when you fully embrace the life God wants you to have-regardless of how much money you acquire. This means living by His incredible word, loving everyone, forgiving those that have wronged you, & following the commands & teachings of the Bible."
I'm pretty sure it isn't a sin to be rich...
http://www.revelation.co/2008/06/22/what-does-the-bible-say-about-money-wealth-being-rich/

 

[Viren]

Anyone can read the Scripture for themselves and see that the one sentence was accurate

1 John 3:17

 

[MachZer0]

So David kept his wealth and didn't give it to God is how you read that passage?

I Chronicles 29:26-28 David son of Jesse was king over all Israel. He ruled over Israel forty years—seven in Hebron and thirty-three in Jerusalem. He died at a good old age, having enjoyed long life, wealth and honor. His son Solomon succeeded him as king

Oops

 

[MachZer0]

1 John 3:17

Which in no way insinuates that being rich is a sin. Thanks for pointing that out

 

[Archaeopteryx]

Well here is part of an article speaking on the subject.
"The Bible clearly indicates that God has blessed people with wealth. Also, keep in mind that some of the most holy and righteous people in the Bible were wealthy. God blessed Job with wealth after testing him. God blessed King Solomon with both wealth and wisdom. In fact, Solomon is considered the wealthiest person who has ever lived.

God also blessed Abraham, Jacob, and many others with wealth. So this indicates that God does not view being rich or having money as being sinful. If that were the case, He would not have blessed so many faithful people with money. There is nothing wrong with saving money, working hard to better your life, setting financial goals, or even being wealthy/rich.

He "blessed" them with it, or they themselves acquired it by some other means? There's a contradiction in your message here. You say there's nothing wrong with saving money and working hard toward one's financial goals, but surely that is immaterial if God simply "blesses" one with wealth. Moreover, what is one to make of the poor then, particularly the faithful poor? Why does God withhold his blessings from them?

 

[MachZer0]

Yeah, he only died to give grace to persons who didn't earn it. Stop mooching off someone else's hard, salvific work.

 

[ObamaChristian]

Everyone sins, and there is no doubt about that. But material wealth has to be one of the greatest sins in the world.

When you accumulate wealth that you can live far beyond what is necessary, it is hard to find that you are worshipping God, when God's greatest command is perhaps to love those like yourself.

How can anyone claim to be a good person, if he holds money to be more important than the well being of his fellow men. I am a sinner, and I don't give nearly as much as I should, but I'll admit to that.

I eat more food than I need to eat, and I have more material goods than I need. I find it hard to believe that my choice to watch a movie, when I can use that money to buy a hungry man a lunch is not a sin.

Sure, I could rationalize and tell myself that the hungry didn't earn it and hence I don't have to give it or that I've given enough, but that is blatantly ignoring the teaching's of Christ.

It is a absurd that Christians would define Capitalism and the hoarding of more money than you need as not a sin. If you truly loved your neighbor as yourself, whatever, you have, your neighbor would have.

Jesus has always uplifted the poor and treated them far better than the rich. I won't live in a delusion where I think I am serving God if I place material goods above the well being of my fellow humans. I do it because I am selfish, evil, and sinful, and I hope Jesus would forgive me for it, but I'll never pretend that I am capable of ignoring the plight of the poor and serve God.

 

[XB3LI3V3RX]

He "blessed" them with it, or they themselves acquired it by some other means? There's a contradiction in your message here. You say there's nothing wrong with saving money and working hard toward one's financial goals, but surely that is immaterial if God simply "blesses" one with wealth. Moreover, what is one to make of the poor then, particularly the faithful poor? Why does God withhold his blessings from them?

What do you mean MY message? I showed what the Bible says on the issue and y'all want to say it is wrong. If you don't want to listen to the Bible, then that's up to you.

 

[Archaeopteryx]

What do you mean MY message? I showed what the Bible says on the issue and y'all want to say it is wrong. If you don't want to listen to the Bible, then that's up to you.

You didn't answer my question...

 

[Archaeopteryx]

"You cannot claim to worship Jesus in the Tabernacle, if you do not pity Jesus in the slums… It is folly — it is madness — to suppose that you can worship Jesus in the Sacraments and Jesus on the throne of glory, when you are sweating him in the souls and bodies of his children." -- Bishop Frank Weston, 1923 Anglo-Catholic Congress

 

[MachZer0]

Everyone sins, and there is no doubt about that. But material wealth has to be one of the greatest sins in the world.

When you accumulate wealth that you can live far beyond what is necessary, it is hard to find that you are worshipping God, when God's greatest command is perhaps to love those like yourself.

How can anyone claim to be a good person, if he holds money to be more important than the well being of his fellow men. I am a sinner, and I don't give nearly as much as I should, but I'll admit to that.

I eat more food than I need to eat, and I have more material goods than I need. I find it hard to believe that my choice to watch a movie, when I can use that money to buy a hungry man a lunch is not a sin.

Sure, I could rationalize and tell myself that the hungry didn't earn it and hence I don't have to give it or that I've given enough, but that is blatantly ignoring the teaching's of Christ.

It is a absurd that Christians would define Capitalism and the hoarding of more money than you need as not a sin. If you truly loved your neighbor as yourself, whatever, you have, your neighbor would have.

Jesus has always uplifted the poor and treated them far better than the rich. I won't live in a delusion where I think I am serving God if I place material goods above the well being of my fellow humans. I do it because I am selfish, evil, and sinful, and I hope Jesus would forgive me for it, but I'll never pretend that I am capable of ignoring the plight of the poor and serve God.

Barack Obama would fit right into that definition of biggest sinner

 

[XB3LI3V3RX]

Everyone sins, and there is no doubt about that. But material wealth has to be one of the greatest sins in the world. When you accumulate wealth that you can live far beyond what is necessary, it is hard to find that you are worshipping God, when God's greatest command is perhaps to love those like yourself. How can anyone claim to be a good person, if he holds money to be more important than the well being of his fellow men. I am a sinner, and I don't give nearly as much as I should, but I'll admit to that. I eat more food than I need to eat, and I have more material goods than I need. I find it hard to believe that my choice to watch a movie, when I can use that money to buy a hungry man a lunch is not a sin. Sure, I could rationalize and tell myself that the hungry didn't earn it and hence I don't have to give it or that I've given enough, but that is blatantly ignoring the teaching's of Christ. It is a absurd that Christians would define Capitalism and the hoarding of more money than you need as not a sin. If you truly loved your neighbor as yourself, whatever, you have, your neighbor would have. Jesus has always uplifted the poor and treated them far better than the rich. I won't live in a delusion where I think I am serving God if I place material goods above the well being of my fellow humans. I do it because I am selfish, evil, and sinful, and I hope Jesus would forgive me for it, but I'll never pretend that I am capable of ignoring the plight of the poor and serve God.

Ok...with all that you just said...why are you judging people for their wealth when you just clearly said you and everyone else is a sinner and you even have specific examples of yourself...