Christianity and Luxury

[Classik]

Something funny:

I doubt if Christ was against making 'genuine' money. One of the reasons he didnt own a house:

1. Who and who will inherit it?
2. Will some not want to worship it?
3. America may love to go and hijack it
4. China may in turn break the walls secretly and carry it to China

we all would love to claim the stuff. Christ possessions would definitely cause wars. Saw what those guys did about his garment, huh?

 

[Classik]

seriously, if a man is to marry a woman and raise children he should not be the infidel the bible talks about that doesnt care and provide for his family.

If a man doent want money he shouldnt get married and have children maybe. Just a thought

 

[Deborah13]

seriously, if a man is to marry a woman and raise children he should not be the infidel the bible talks about that doesnt care and provide for his family.

If a man doent want money he shouldnt get married and have children maybe. Just a thought

And a good thought too, I think.

 

[Classik]

Especially in a family where the couple have about three females. It is nearly difficult to maintain to the standard, the Christian standard. Requires a lot of money to raise women. LOL

 

[Isambard]

Have you sold all?

No Reba, I'm a hypocrite, a sinner and a bad Christian too. I will undoubtedly have great difficulty getting past those pearly gates.

I don't keep accurate track of it but I probably don't even give 10% of my income to charity. Rather more than that in tax though - which is largely charity in the UK.

My posts are simply in response to the OP question.

 

[WIP]

Rather more than that in tax though - which is largely charity in the UK.

I have tried to rationalize my charitable giving by using this argument as well. But somehow when I do I find a sense of guilt come over me. My conclusion then is that using this argument is a cop-out.

I decided to do a quick search to see how the US federal dollars are spent. In 2012 the US national budget totaled about 3.5 Trillion dollars. Here's the breakdown in major uses.
22% was used for social security, which provides financial support for the retired elderly.
21% was used for health care programs such as medicare, medicaid, and CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program).
19% was used for national defense and international security related expenses.
12% was used for safety net programs (individuals and families facing hardship).
6% was used to pay loan interest.
20% other programs.
Add it all up and 55% of the budget is used to help people.

Since 55% of my tax dollars are used for helping others does that relieve me of my Christian duty to help others? I don't think so. I think as long as I can afford it and I am given a means to do so and the opportunity is presented I have a responsibility to share the wealth God has given me. Does this mean then that I and my family should go broke trying? I think the answer to that lies between God and me. It is not my place to judge others in this regard and so I won't...or at least I try my best not to.

 

[Deborah13]

WIP

 

[Isambard]

I have tried to rationalize my charitable giving by using this argument as well. But somehow when I do I find a sense of guilt come over me. My conclusion then is that using this argument is a cop-out.

For the record - my reference to tax was a joke WIP but maybe I should take more notice of your 55% calculation. Wow! I wonder what it is here with our notoriously generous social security payments and National Health Service.

I often feel guilty about living as comfortably as I do but then I do nothing about it - same as most other people. I was entirely serious when I said that I am a bad Christian.

 

[The Gospels]

i guess luxury can be good.. but I think to a lot of people, it takes them from God....