If the pious so-called christians who run the red states had paid one iota of attention to actual words and acts of Jesus, they would be heavens on earth. Oases of care for the poor, haven for immigrants, home of equal treatment for all, healthcare and sharing. But they don't they only listen to the voices of far right wing evangelicals - the Pharisees and Sadducees of today - who believe that God and Jesus favor the white, the rich, the male and the guns.
And they wonder why their children are turning away from the church...
It’s the money. As “christian” churches are experiencing declining attendance, ministers and deacons are seeing a significant loss in tithing. The 10% baseline for every church member is suffering from parishioner erosion (slow but steady) and U.S. inflation. More active donors are still stuffing the tithing/offering bag but losing the repeat “customers” is a budgeting nightmare.
It takes money to pay for the new Prosperity Gospel Pastor. The “positivity” message draws them in. Evangelicalism and other ultra-conservative church doctrines are the way to go. It’s a moneymaker for sure. This message really highlights well - prosperity. God wants us to have a new Mercedes and my wife needs a fur wrap. Evangelical college tuition isn’t getting any cheaper. And our sixth child will be born near Christmas Day.
If the pious so-called christians who run the red states had paid one iota of attention to actual words and acts of Jesus, they would be heavens on earth. Oases of care for the poor, haven for immigrants, home of equal treatment for all, healthcare and sharing. But they don't they only listen to the voices of far right wing evangelicals - the Pharisees and Sadducees of today - who believe that God and Jesus favor the white, the rich, the male and the guns.
And they wonder why their children are turning away from the church...
It’s the money. As “christian” churches are experiencing declining attendance, ministers and deacons are seeing a significant loss in tithing. The 10% baseline for every church member is suffering from parishioner erosion (slow but steady) and U.S. inflation. More active donors are still stuffing the tithing/offering bag but losing the repeat “customers” is a budgeting nightmare.
It takes money to pay for the new Prosperity Gospel Pastor. The “positivity” message draws them in. Evangelicalism and other ultra-conservative church doctrines are the way to go. It’s a moneymaker for sure. This message really highlights well - prosperity. God wants us to have a new Mercedes and my wife needs a fur wrap. Evangelical college tuition isn’t getting any cheaper. And our sixth child will be born near Christmas Day.
Thank goodness for that tax exempt status.