Christian Leader?

[txaslftist]

* says that he's appalled that the US is being called stingy for its paltry 15-35 million in Tsunami aid delivery. This despite the fact that as a percentage of our GNP we rank at the very bottom among western developed countries (Norway gives the most).

Because Bush loves to portray himself as a Christian leader, this begs the question whether he is familiar with Jesus' observations concerning gifts to the Temple. One will recall that Jesus is said to have watched an old woman give two copper mites into the temple alms box, and observed that her giving was greater than that of the pharisees because she gave all that she could spare.

The question, then, for our "Reichwing Christian Nation", is simple. Have we given all that we could spare?

[comsymp]

1. The Widow's Mite

Mark 12:41-45, IIRC

Yeah, that's been on my mind too.

Editing to add:

41 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. 42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. 43 And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: 44 For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.

I would imagine the Gitmo asswhupping JC would get if he came back now would have Mel Gibson saying "that's just TOO fucked up."

[thedevilinthedetails]

2. * would have you give the money to your church

and then have the church give the money to the victims. In fact, I would think it's about time for a tax cut so that people can donate to their church so that their church can donate to the victims.

[NV Whino]

3. Right... and 90% stays with the church

Forget it Charlie.

[comsymp]

4. People are already supposed to be donating to the church, aren't they?

10%, IIRC.

And most charitable contributions are already tax-deductible, aren't they?

Besides didn't Jesus make his views on taxation clear in Matthew?

As it happens, I already had this page up. Whaddaya think:

17 Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? 18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? 19 Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. 20 And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? 21 They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's. 22

[MsTryska]

6. So to me that says....

give your money to the government, give god's things to god.


does that mean animal sacrifice?


just bring yourself, and leave the money at home?


maybe lentils and grains?

[comsymp]

7. IIRC, it was further clarified in the Gospel According to Ray

Woke up this mornin', turned on the t.v. set.
there in livin' color, was somethin' I can't forget.
This man was preachin' at me, yeah, layin' on the charm
askin' me for twenty, with ten-thousand on his arm.
He wore designer clothes, and a big smile on his face
sellin' me salvation while they sang Amazin' Grace.
Askin' me for money, when he had all the signs of wealth.
I almost wrote a check out, yeah, then I asked myself

(chorus)

Would He wear a pinky ring, would He drive a fancy car?
Would His wife wear furs and diamonds, would His dressin' room have a star?
If He came back tomorrow, well there's somethin' I'd like to know
Could ya tell me, Would Jesus wear a Rolex on His television show.

Would Jesus be political if He came back to earth?
Have His second home in Palm Springs, yeah, a try to hide His worth?
Take money, from those poor folks, when He comes back again,
and admit He's talked to all them preachers who say they been a talkin' to Him?

(chorus)

Just ask ya' self, Would He wear a pinky ring,
Would He drive a fancy car?
Would His wife wear furs and diamonds, would His dressing room have a star?
If He came back tomorrow, well there's somethin' I'd like to know:
Could ya tell me, would Jesus wear a Rolex,
Would jesus wear a Rolex
Would Jesus wear a Rolex
On His television show-ooh-ooh?

[MsTryska]

9. Fabulous!

so how is it these fockers are able to get away with it.


it's not like the masses are illiterate anymore.

[Nadienne]

5. Are you being sarcastic?

Or do you not know that a Bush tax cut means that middle-class people get an increase in state taxes?

[Benhurst]

8. Yeah. Sure. Give it to the fanatics to build another big

architectural monstrosity/country club.