Oral Roberts needed a lot of money once and he told everyone if he did not get the money "god was going to call him home." Isn't that like saying if you do not give me the money god is going to kill me?
I've always been confused by such statements from "religious" leaders. Isn't the whole point of following the religion and to get to "home"? So why would you be doing things to avoid it? Why should his "followers" want him to get "home?
Oh yeah. Brain washing.
Where's the Mormons? They only ask for 10% of your income, gross income that is, before taxes. But try to get help from them and you may be required to jump through hoops. My friend was turned down because her church leader told her she should have a smaller apartment. My sister was told they would have to sell their car before they could get food. It's insane.
This is just terrible. I wonder how much of this comes from legitimate belief or devotion to a church and how much is plain thievery.
I'm thinking of Megan Phelps who is now an atheist, but grew up in a fundamentalist Baptist church. She was on Joe Rogan's podcast. Very sweet person and was a devout believer until she was reasoned out of it. It's shocking what people will do for their religion, and many may actually believe asking for money is part of being true to their faith.
It is just so messed up.
@Athena Paying tithing was a huge part of personal worship in the Mormon church. You had to pay tithing to be "worthy" of going to the Mormon Temple and the temple was the gateway to the Mormon heaven. The church leaders would tell people to pay even if they couldn't afford to feed their families because it was so important for their "salvation." Then after impoverishing themselves, they would have to beg for help and risk being turned down.
Because they tried praying to God for money and nothing happened.
Because the world we live in is a world that follows this quote: the end justifies the means. We'd all eat each other if we could, just for our own sake. That is absolutely disgusting. Most of those people don't even have the human decency to hide they're fake anymore. But also, we shouldn't confuse the real rich people, who worked very hard for their wealth, with those con-artists. These con-artists would tell you anything to get your money. That is why it's better to invest in some financial education. Or, get it for free from websites like dividendpower.org
This subject is perceived differently by everyone. I always tried to find ways to make more money and become better. Even if we deny it, money gives us some stability and happiness. When I saw there are no opportunities to progress in the middle of the pandemic, I searched for online workshops and seminars. I found this great platform: [prendo.com], and little by little, I found the courage to start my own business. Now I'm in a different place than I was two years ago. But, this doesn't mean I'm using people or see this as normal.
I hate to say it. But why do I think this is only an attempt to garner more money? "Oh, look at how his heart has changed, the honesty, how contrite he is, and how humble he has become." And the people reached for their wallet and purse and unloaded into the church coffers. I don't mean to come off cynical. I wish I could view this as a pure motive. But it strikes me as less than honorable.
I have a sincere appreciation for this thread topic. Hats off Apunzelle.
As a former Christian, I always wondered why it was impressed on me to give to a particular ministry or church. Seems as if God could direct me to which ministry I should be giving to whether it was that one or another one. No need for the begging to give to that very one. Furthermore, I bet I heard more sermons of faith than I can count. Preachers would preach to have faith that God will give you the money to donate to my church or ministry. How 'bout you don some faith and believe God will provide sans asking for it? The church is crammed full of sheep. And sheep get slaughtered.
Because even they don't believe the bullshit. They know it's all a scam.