I live in Bulgaria - where there are mainly orthodox and protestant churches. Very few catholic. I have been to all of these denominations because I don't denominate myself - I am a believer who reads the bible.
However - there is one thing I find common in all churches I have been to. The scripture is being preached, but only for the money. The church leaders constantly intrude on the idea I and the others have to give donations for the church and we have to help with our free labor. It's clear the money from the donations doesn't go to the needy, but goes to the church leaders' pockets. I'm sick and tired of the hypocrisy and lies in the churches, that come mainly from its leaders.
That's why I decided to read the Bible on my own and not attend any church. There may be some honest church leaders, but very very few.
I can't understand how these people preach every day not to steal nor lie, but they are the biggest thieves and liars.
I will speak on the protestant churches in Bulgaria because I have been mostly to them. It is clear that they get a lot of money from the US, England, Germany. Some church buildings look like 5-star hotels. And the pastors are still greedy to get donations from the church members, even though the people that go to church are mostly very poor. I think rich people from the west are doing money laundering and they hire some clever Bulgarians as pastors to help them and give them a percentage of the income. These are not churches - these are sects and I don't want to go there.
Please, give me your thoughts on this. How is it in the US and other countries?
However - there is one thing I find common in all churches I have been to. The scripture is being preached, but only for the money. The church leaders constantly intrude on the idea I and the others have to give donations for the church and we have to help with our free labor. It's clear the money from the donations doesn't go to the needy, but goes to the church leaders' pockets. I'm sick and tired of the hypocrisy and lies in the churches, that come mainly from its leaders.
That's why I decided to read the Bible on my own and not attend any church. There may be some honest church leaders, but very very few.
I can't understand how these people preach every day not to steal nor lie, but they are the biggest thieves and liars.
I will speak on the protestant churches in Bulgaria because I have been mostly to them. It is clear that they get a lot of money from the US, England, Germany. Some church buildings look like 5-star hotels. And the pastors are still greedy to get donations from the church members, even though the people that go to church are mostly very poor. I think rich people from the west are doing money laundering and they hire some clever Bulgarians as pastors to help them and give them a percentage of the income. These are not churches - these are sects and I don't want to go there.
Please, give me your thoughts on this. How is it in the US and other countries?