Pascal's bookieYour points apply to Churches.First...- June 30, 2007 Pascal's bookieYour points apply to Churches.First, in many denominations you can vote for the elders and even the minister. Second, just as a person can emigrate from a country a person can choose to leave a Church. Third, your suggestion that Churches do not keep an account of their finances and do not have to provide their members with an accounting is false. It may true of some Churches, just as its true of some governments. Moreover if your arguments were sound, this would show a...http://fundypost.blogspot.com/2007/06/capitalism-stole-my-virginity.html?showComment=11832... Matthew, I've come accross the "tithing is just li...- June 29, 2007 Matthew, I've come accross the "tithing is just like taxes" point before, and I never really got what the comparison was supposed to be. Obviously they are similar in that people are being compelled to give a % of their income but, beyond that there are are a few differences that stretch the analogy into a rather fish like shape ( with a deeply pinkish hue).With taxes one is able to vote for candidates that will relieve the burden, if such is your desire. The long proud history of the...http://fundypost.blogspot.com/2007/06/capitalism-stole-my-virginity.html?showComment=11830... Yes, "most churches." For a start, most churches d...- June 29, 2007 Yes, "most churches." For a start, most churches do not practice tithing;it is a practice of evangelical, pentecostal, low churches. I would like to know the basis of your claim that tithes are used for social services. In any case, the article highlights the problems of Polynesian families, who are bullied into providing far more than 10%.http://fundypost.blogspot.com/2007/06/capitalism-stole-my-virginity.html?showComment=11830... "most Churches"Perhaps so, but that does not seem ...- June 29, 2007 "most Churches"Perhaps so, but that does not seem to be the case with the South Auckland churches described in the article. The social services they provide apparently consist of short term loans at interest. Matthew, are you actually interested in discussing that news story at allThat's why I said red herring - you don't seem interested in the matter at hand.http://fundypost.blogspot.com/2007/06/capitalism-stole-my-virginity.html?showComment=11830... I see Paul you dont cut taxes because the money i...- June 29, 2007 I see Paul you dont cut taxes because the money is used to pay for social services. The problem is that most Churches use the money they gain from tithing to pay for similar services. They use this money to provide, schools, food banks, to give emergency grants, provide cheap housing etc. So if a person stops tithing that also will result in a reduction of social services. Hence the reason you give me for why the poor should not get a tax cut is also reason to not advise them to stop tithing...http://fundypost.blogspot.com/2007/06/capitalism-stole-my-virginity.html?showComment=11830... Paul,Nice to see you found a use for the Herald st...- June 28, 2007 Paul,Nice to see you found a use for the Herald story on tithing - whilst I don't know if I'd class the South Auckland churches as 'vulgar' (due to insufficient architectural training) I certainly oppose the public wringing of vulnerable people for money.That Ministry of Truth posting is an absolutely epic piece of Internet detective work. Fantastic stuff!http://fundypost.blogspot.com/2007/06/capitalism-stole-my-virginity.html?showComment=11830... So, how about that 10% income tax reduction, then...- June 28, 2007 So, how about that 10% income tax reduction, then All we need to do it cut the services for low income people and we can make wealthy people richer.http://fundypost.blogspot.com/2007/06/capitalism-stole-my-virginity.html?showComment=11830... StephenI did not say that only left wing people ...- June 28, 2007 StephenI did not say that only left wing people were opposed to poor people being coerced into giving money they can't afford . What I pointed out was that many of them in fact support the poor being forced to give well in excess of that amount to the state. I am opposed to the poor being coerced into giving money beyond what they can afford. In fact I am opposed to people being forced to give money to most things. Which is one reasons why I am not left wing politically. Moreover my point was..http://fundypost.blogspot.com/2007/06/capitalism-stole-my-virginity.html?showComment=11830... But Matthew, if you read the article, some familie...- June 28, 2007 But Matthew, if you read the article, some families are being pressured -- ie not volunteering -- into coughing up even more than 10%. (Although if they can't afford necessities, surely 1% would be too much).No doubt there is an innocent and praiseworthy culture of tithing out there, but that's not what the article was about.I'm also confused as to why only leftwing people would be concerned about poor people being coerced into giving money they can't afford.Mmm, tasty red herrings.http://fundypost.blogspot.com/2007/06/capitalism-stole-my-virginity.html?showComment=11830... How about "stop paying taxes" Funny how some on ...- June 27, 2007 How about "stop paying taxes" Funny how some on the left demand that people pay 20% plus to prop up state social services ( as well as numerous other organizations the state deems worthy) back this demand up with threats of violence, and then complain about other voluntary charities asking for a 10% voluntary donation from their members. I have never understood this; perhaps Paul or "Dr" Craig Y could explain this to meHow about advocating an immediate 10% income tax cut Then perhaps I might.http://fundypost.blogspot.com/2007/06/capitalism-stole-my-virginity.html?showComment=11829... |