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An attitudes toward the church which is really the body of Christ. I met a lot of people who have attitudes toward the church and it is a pet peeve of mine cause the body of Christ are truly not bad people just like non Christians are not bad people
So you are pissed, it's okay to admit that. But here's the thing, in every reply to you I have taken great measure to make sure you understand that I don't think you or most christians are bad people, but you can't give me any points for that. You're demanding something from me I'm giving you but still faulting me for not giving it the way you'd rather have it.
Once again I am not pissed off. But it is OK if you think I am. In that sense you seem like a bitter person inside like a lot of other people I have met on line who don't like God and want to blame the church for stuff.
I'm unfriendly and bitter. Why do you feel the need to keep attacking me personally if you aren't pissed off at me? Aside from telling you that I completely respect religion (which isn't going to happen), what do you need to hear from me to understand that I have more respect for you than it appears you have for me?
I can accept that as a possibility. Though I would point out that I wasn't the one who opened with personal attacks. I think it's probably more true that my opinion of your belief system makes you uncomfortable, and being uncomfortable makes you a bit angry. Nevertheless, I will simply say that my being bitter at something I don't believe in is a brand of silly that I simply don't partake in. I don't give religion much consideration one way or another until it attempts to insert itself into my life, which is far too often. My goal in being here on the forum is to hopefully change the kneejerk reaction many atheists receive when believers discover we have no faith. I won't be idiotic enough to say that no atheist is "mad at god" because I personally know some who are. It's not me, though. In turn, I would hope that you could be honest enough to say that there are many religious folk who find the disbelief of others personally challenging, and as we get to know each other we can figure out how much of these "truths" apply to each other. Despite the fact that you've insulted me at a personal level twice now, I still respect you. I get that you have little respect for me, though.
And I would return with having sat in a church, listening to a mass in honor of my husband's grandparent's 65th wedding anniversary, listening the priest proclaim what a wonderful thing it was that jesus said if you aren't willing to give up everything you own and you're whole family, you aren't worthy of him. IMO, that's probably just slightly above "I hope you burn in hell" in terms of congratulatory sentiments.
Why didn't god heal my friends baby when she prayed faithfully? Don't give me your "god's divine plan" platitude which does nothing more than indicate you haven't fully grasped what I'm asking.
The funds would mostly come from member contributions, in the form of tithing. We have no paid clergy, but we do give 10% of our income to the Church. This money doesn't support our bishops, etc. as they hold full-time jobs outside of the church (as doctors, teachers, carpenters, etc.). Instead it goes to fund the storehouses, etc.
At the churches I know about the cost is pretty minimal and doesn't do much more than cover expenses. A couple who really don't have any money are not going to be turned away. Couples who do have it usually give because they want to give. It's more like a voluntary sliding scale, but the Church isn't going to turn it down.
Scaremongering. There's just as much legitimate worry that anti-gay churches will be forced to marry same-sex couples as there is that anti-divorced churches will be forced to marry divorced people.
