Dobbs: Keep religion out of politics

ratboy88 · Sep 28, 2006

Quote from ZZZzzzzzzz:

Would it matter to you at all if the church was in violation of their tax exempt status?

the church was fine before 1916.... they enjoyed FREEDOMMMMM

fhl · Sep 28, 2006

Quote from ZZZzzzzzzz:

They don't. But the moment the Church files for tax exempt status, they surrender themselves to the tax codes and secular laws.

And the moment the state begins telling us what is moral, like homosexual marriage, they surrender themselves to the church.

fhl · Sep 28, 2006

Quote from ktmexc20:

I wonder... should a true man of God... a man who is Christ-like... A man who goes by the title of Bishop TD Jakes... posses multimillion dollar estates, luxury cars and a private jet?
Hmmm... I think not. I call that a facade... a lucrative one at that.

TD Jakes' Idea of Succe$$

Jakes moved to Dallas a decade ago, and later moved into his $45 million sanctuary on 50 acres in West Dallas where today the membership is 30,000 and growing.

Just last year, the preacher and his family sold their mansion near White Rock Lake in Dallas and bought a $5 million estate in east Fort Worth that was previously owned by novelist Sandra Brown.

It is that lavish lifestyle that also includes luxury cars and a private jet, that is most seized upon by Jakes' critics.

Are you aware that Jesus had perfume poured on his head that was worth one years wages? Do you remember what he said to those who objected?

Do you recall that Jesus wore a seamless robe and rode into the city on a donkey? What percent of the population back then had seamless robes and something to ride on?

The TRUE perversion of the gospel is by those who think, and insist, that HAVING wealth means that you worship it and are greedy. The gospel says that the LOVE of money is the root of evil, not HAVING money.

Free Thinker · Sep 28, 2006

Quote from fhl:

Are you aware that Jesus had perfume poured on his head that was worth one years wages? Do you remember what he said to those who objected?

Do you recall that Jesus wore a seamless robe and rode into the city on a donkey? What percent of the population back then had seamless robes and something to ride on?

The TRUE perversion of the gospel is by those who think, and insist, that HAVING wealth means that you worship it and are greedy. The gospel says that the LOVE of money is the root of evil, not HAVING money.

when you get your wealth from people that you have convinced are doing gods work when they give their hard earned money you are to be scorned.

ZZZzzzzzzz · Sep 28, 2006

rat, you are becoming irrational again.

Quote from ratboy88:

the church was fine before 1916.... they enjoyed FREEDOMMMMM

ZZZzzzzzzz · Sep 28, 2006

I don't disagree that the Bush administration is vindictive, but would their wong make abuse of tax exempt status right?

Quote from ratboy88:

did you read the article??? this is a church that had an antiwar sermon. the mere fact the irs is allowed to pursue this is abhorrent.

ktmexc20 · Sep 28, 2006

Quote from vhehn:

when you get your wealth from people that you have convinced are doing gods work when they give their hard earned money you are to be scorned.

I wonder how the guy could possibly sleep at night knowing that children are starving while he is benefiting (with great extravagance) off of "the Lord's work".

Makes me sick.

Free Thinker · Sep 28, 2006

Quote from fhl:

And the moment the state begins telling us what is moral, like homosexual marriage, they surrender themselves to the church.

preachers pretty much tell their sheep how to vote. we have a big abortion ban vote coming up in my state. many preachers are putting out the sermon that you must vote as god would vote and vote to ban abortion. this all seems kind of silly considering that god has killed more innocent babies than than any other type of abortion or disease combined.

AAAintheBeltway · Sep 28, 2006

Quote from ktmexc20:

I wonder how the guy could possibly sleep at night knowing that children are starving while he is benefiting (with great extravagance) off of "the Lord's work".

Makes me sick.

No one is forced to contribute. His congregation is well aware of his wealth and the uses he puts it to. If flashing a little bling helps him bring young brothers to the Lord, I don't have a problem with it.

Bishop Jakes is one of the most dynamic preachers I've ever seen. Why shouldn't he be compensated in accordance with his talent? Why should he have to fly commercial and waste his time standing in line? Why is he more deserving of scorn that say, the Pope, who has control over wealth that makes Bishop Jakes look like a street corner preacher?

I don't think God meant for his people to struggle in poverty. Didn't He prosper the Israelites greatly until their lack of obedience did them in?

Free Thinker · Sep 28, 2006

Quote from AAAintheBeltway:

No one is forced to contribute. His congregation is well aware of his wealth and the uses he puts it to. If flashing a little bling helps him bring young brothers to the Lord, I don't have a problem with it.

Bishop Jakes is one of the most dynamic preachers I've ever seen. Why shouldn't he be compensated in accordance with his talent? Why should he have to fly commercial and waste his time standing in line? Why is he more deserving of scorn that say, the Pope, who has control over wealth that makes Bishop Jakes look like a street corner preacher?

I don't think God meant for his people to struggle in poverty. Didn't He prosper the Israelites greatly until their lack of obedience did them in?

this is one of the things i find most disgusting about believers. they will shut their eyes to lies, fraud, and theft if its done in the name of god.
i see little condemnation of the horrible damage men like benny hinn do selling snake oil from believers. so often you hear them say"if he brings people to jesus i have no problem with how he does it". disgusting.