I found this article about communism and the church. It interested me because the basis of the article is that a church cannot co-exist with communism. This means that the two do not mix and that in order for a church to keep full integrity, it must stay away from being involved in communism.
To read the article, go to the following URL:
http://www.crossandflame.com/blog/crossandflame/2005-sep-27/churches-amp-capitalism-marketing-gospel.
Eugene
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5 comments:
It's a really nice, thoughtful article. But it's not about communism. The word communism never appears even once.
It's about the conflict between christianity and capitalism, and mirrors a great deal of what I brought up in class.
As a side note, I clicked around a bit, and was pleased by how careful and thoughtful the articles I saw on this site were. Very much about provoking thought and discussion -- just what I said, in my last reply to a post of yours, that I wished I saw more of in the christian community.
Here's an interesting overview of christian communism:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_communism
this article is very interesting. with the growing number of "power churches" or "mega churches" its easy to see that the market for church and Christianity has drifted from spreading the word and teachings of Christ to speading popularity of preachers just to gain attention and ultimately receive money to fund these churches.
That's a good point, Hannah. I wonder what kind of correlation there is between pro-capitalist preaching and church size. Those mega-churches also are strange in the way that they really strongly market themselves. I saw this a good deal when I was living in Lynchburg, VA.
Have any of you been to a mega-church? I haven't yet, but have wanted to go and check one out.
i have never been to one. I grew up going to a small southern church which I like that feel of a more personal teaching and atmosphere. However, I have watched Joel Osteen on t.v. and I actually like the way he preaches and what he has to say I just dont agree with the sermons of "tithing" which basically means give money to the church so we can get bigger and expand our popularity. But there does seem to be opportunity for mega churches to do more good for people because of the money they receive and the size.
I have been to a mega-church, New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, GA where Bishop Eddie L. Long is the pastor. Because of my belief in the fullness of the Bible, I don't disagree with the preaching of tithes, and I do believe that members should pay money for the upkeeping of the church and for developing outreach programs. Although, I am not fond of the get rich quick scheme that some pastors pull by having a $100, $50, $25, etc. line. I believe that if you give 10% of your income and sacrifice when you deem it necessary that you will be blessed through your faithfulness and obedience to Christ. I do tithe and I have reaped from giving to the body of Christ, so it works for me.
Also, Joel Olsteen is not a preacher, and he will tell you that. He is an inspirational speaker and that's why so many people connect with him so easily. He has the largest congregation in the U.S. I would love to visit his church one day.
Overall, I believe that one's stance on tithing and the financial upkeeping of the church is based on their experience. I have been apart of the Baptist and AME church cycles and they are very different in the way they handle finances. I have gotten to see issues of many handled from a positive and negative perspective, so I have an open mind about this whole situation.
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