Quote:
Originally Posted by ruchase
Speaking strictly to the OP poll, I'd say satan/hell plays an even greater role than heaven/god for almost all religions to work. Without satan/hell, people would be free to live without any religious boundaries, since there is no risk to offend their spiritual diety. Without hell, people have no incentive to 'do the right thing'.
That very belief allows a well run scheme to continue. Churches/temples are run like businesses; typically the most important aspect of a successful church/temple is a stable, contributing base. A good pastor is much like a CEO - and their primary focus is typically using their personality to maximize tithes/offerings for the church/temple. However, they have to constantly target the 'next' generation. If they fail to do so, or lose market share, then their revenue stream could dry up. Without new money in, they face extinction.
Look at some of the successful pastors - people like Rick Warren, or Pat Robertson. Much like very successful CEOs, their personal net worth is in the multi-millions. I find it quite hilarious that religious sheep (including those on this thread) don't dare question the way their religious organizations are run.
Personally, though I'm not Christian, I have great respect for this man Jesus (whether or not he existed). However, it's really quite hilarious to hear the RWNJ's touting christianity/religion, when in fact their very beliefs are so far from what Jesus taught.
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A few remarks.
1) As someone in Seminary and currently pursuing ordination as a pastor, no money is not the object. Many pastors I know of struggle with the church board over whether the church should be in the black or the red, or even whether the church should have more than one savings account. If anything it is usually the church board who wants more money, the pastor keeps giving it away. (But if you're exposed to the televangelist type, yes I can see how this opinion is made)
2) Pat Robertson and Rick Warren are two completely different ends of the spectrum. Both give most of their income away, but one moreso than the other.
3) Jesus did exist. Even the great NT scholar and master skeptic Bart Ehrman makes that quite clear.
4) And you'll find no rebuttal concerning the RWNJs from me. I've been fighting that ilk for years. Heck, I'm considering not voting again when election time comes up. That statement alone has got me screamed at.