LAKE FOREST, Calif. (AP) — Evangelical pastor Rick Warren is begging parishioners at his Southern California megachurch to cough up $900,000 before Jan. 1 to keep the parish out of the red.
…
A spokeswoman for Warren said the church does not release financial details, so it’s difficult to put the $900,000 shortfall in context.
The church does not release financial details? So this whole plea for money might be another lie, cooked up by another rich and powerful preacher to line his own wallet in the name of his God? You mean there is no way to tell if he gets the money, or how badly it is needed? You mean the church lives tax-free, and nobody knows how much it makes?
Yup. That’s what it means. it also means very gullible people will come forth with the last of their hard-earned recession money to help this professional liar meet his arbitrary goal of getting richer, taking lessons from Orel Roberts’ “God will call me home if you don’t give me money”.
Fools and their money. They won’t ask how much Preacher Big-bucks earns, or how many homes he has, or what kind of cars he drives, how how expensive his hookers are. They will ask nothing, they will only give.
Dave’s Psychic Prediction: Pastor Warren will soon announce that he was given enough money, through the grace of God, to keep his church open FOR NOW. he won’t name names, or give numbers, but he will praise his donors large and small. All will be well in Billionairre-preacher-land.
What are sheople good for? Shearing or eating: Mr Warren is no cannibal.
It’s time to make churches accountable for the funds given by donors.
Also a push should be made to end the tax exempt status of religious institutions.
Taxing churches is a bad idea.
Elaborate.
Do try to use multi-syllabic words & provide a little more content than your say-so.
Like your insistence that jews are a race and/or ethnicity.
Why didn’t you ask DW for “more content” rather than simply his “say-so”? Answer: Because you only require proof when assertions made do not conform to your prejudice, bias and blind acceptance.
I’ve already flattened you on that topic – so try to defend your present statement, which is – Taxing churches is a bad idea. & try to stay on topic.
Because I happen to agree w/him.
Busted! Thought so. You’re not an atheist, are you?
I still wanted to hear your side of the argument: can you put forth some sort of semi-coherent semi-intelligent defense of your statement, or are you just blowing smoke?
Can you write anything that doesn’t twist the words of others?
Flattened me? You wrote that I was proposing some sort of false dichotomy in regards to the argument about jews, race and ethnicity. Your whole deluded argument depends upon this false dichotomy which I did not propose. But most importantly you can’t even tell me what this false dichotomy is which you claim I proposed. There is a word for you strange behavior – deluded.
I’m not twisting anything.
I’m ignoring the rest of your drivel. Please elaborate on why taxing churches is a bad idea.
OK KA
Eventually I will provide an argument against taxing churches understandable by all but first I will argue the point in a manner that only you can understand. I will simply provide the definition of the word “tax”:
To assess or determine judicially the amount of (costs in a court action)
There, the argument is complete and makes perfect sense, no?
Bad copy/paste.
Here’s the definition – which will surely be all that is needed to sway KA – of the word “tax”:
Still waiting for the supporting argument that ‘taxing churches is a bad idea’. That is, if you’re all done messing about.
Hmmmm…so Dave. How about you start the ball rolling by posting AA’s financial records, complete with a donors list? Complete with ALL compensation paid to all board members and officers for AA…?
Since you’re so quick to condemn another for their lack of transparency, I’m sure you won’t mind providing such basic details…
“Phreedm’s prediction”…Dave WON’T post any information. (Simply more hypocrisy). Dave or his minions will move the target, and change the discussion to churches being tax exempt to “property taxes”…
The stopped clock is right. Release those records Dave. While your at let’s have the real story behind Ellen Johnson’s termination.
Records are available for organizations like AA. Although I don’t remember where they are available, they have to be made available. Only organizations like religions do not have to account for their funds. This is how some Islamic organizations in the U.S. were able to provide support for the terrorists.
Dw
I wonder how many of us have to get killed by those lunatics before the powers that be require more transparency.
Religions have been given extraordinary consideration above and beyond what the average citizen has been given for a long time. They have proven by their actions (murder, mayhem, etc) that they do not deserve special privileges. It’s time government made them accountable as the rest of us are accountable.
Reason your question is the same in many respects as my question about the installation of traffic lights at some intersections. How many deaths before something is done? The only difference seems to be in the expenditure of money. In the case of religion government officials tiptoe as not to offend the religious.
Oh, please, Phreedm, American Atheists is a 501C3 nonprofit organization. We have to release our financial records (indeed we want to)to any requesting member, and of course, the federal government. Anyone is invited to come to our annual members’ meeting at the convention (you don’t have to attend the convention to attend the members’ meeting), and we will provide info to you.
Rev warren, on the other hand, will release nothing to anyone. It is up to us to believe, lo and behold, he got all that money. Pretty good free press. Almost as if he planned it all along.
Please Dave…nice try. Your response is just as disingenuous as your opening thread…
American Atheists is a 501C3 nonprofit organization.
So is Rick Warren’s church…
So this whole plea for money might be another lie, cooked up by another rich and powerful preacher to line his own wallet in the name of his God?
Based upon what? Do you know what his salary is?
it also means very gullible people will come forth with the last of their hard-earned recession money to help this professional liar meet his arbitrary goal of getting richer
A professional liar? Gullible people? What business is it of yours how people spend their own money?
Why do you continually tear others down in an attempt to show others how pure AA’s motives are? For any rational thinking adult, this should send up a red flag.
You also prove the fact that humans tend to see their own weaknesses in others. It’s amazing how many people are guilty of the exact thing they are accusing others of…
But let me get one thing clear. Are you stating that any member of AA has access to all financial records of AA?
Of course it would be silly to compare any Atheist group to Rick Warren’s organization, simply because of the overwhelming difference in financial size of the groups.
Compared to successful religious groups, the relatively tiny number of successful national Atheist groups make a lot less money. We barely appear on the radar compared to Warren and folks like him. Apples to oranges, bigtime.
One reason removing churches’ tax exempt status would be a good idea is expressed here: http://jgrj.blogspot.com/
I am surprised that churches aren’t required to provide financial records. I guess I always thought that’s what was discussed at “business” meetings and such. I guess I left the church too young to know, huh? Regardless, I’m surprised that they have that kind of non-transparency. And what’s the problem with transparency? Why would an organization not voluntarily provide records if they are on the up and up? Avoid the appearance of evil, right?
lady…the first thing one needs to do is find out if what Dave states is true. It is not. Financial records ARE available to church members.
Churches are primarily exempt from paying property taxes. I personally believe the argument of making them pay property taxes is going in the wrong direction. Our Founding Fathers understood that private property rights were one of the foundational building blocks for a free nation. It was in the 1930′s that the idea of taxing real estate came into use. Today, one never really owns their own home. One merely rents it from their local government regardless whether they have a mortgage or not. You could have paid off your 30 year mortgage 10 years ago, and own your home free and clear from the bank. But just miss paying private property taxes for one year, and the local government will steal your home in the name of balancing their bloated budget.
We should all be moving in the direction of removing property taxes for ALL!!! Many will attempt to justify the loss of this freedom by questioning how localities would pay for police and fire protection or public education. This however merely clouds the argument and ignores the core reality. Taxes on “private property” is a direct attack on our personal freedoms…
I disagree. Not with what you say about the founding fathers. I believe the founding fathers believed private property rights to be one of the foundational building blogs for a free nation. But let us remember that these men also did not allow non-whites or women to vote and only representatives were elected by popular election. They created something amazing but they were not infallible and, in regards to property tax, I think they were wrong.
I happen to think the way we currently levy property taxes to be less than ideal. However, I think it is unfair to exempt ANY group from property taxes. I lived in the inner city, where there were churches on every corner and pot-holes in the streets and not enough police officers to go around. I believe the revenue from the property taxes of exempt organizations would have done more good for the citizens than harm.
I respect your views on private property and the incongruity of never really owning your home because of yearly property taxes. I would not be against the removal of property taxes…if there is a better plan for paying for streets, police, fire, etc. How should those things be paid for if not through property taxes?
Lady asked…
How should those things be paid for if not through property taxes?
How about using the other money our government steals from us…here’s just a sample of the main headings. Each one has dozens of subcategories.
http://www.policylibrary.tax.virginia.gov/OTP/Policy.nsf
You can go to your own state and find a similar list.
Tax Code of Virginia
Tax Code of Virginia (Title 58.1 and other tax-related provisions of the VA Code) – contains most of the laws pertaining to taxes administered by the Department of Taxation.
Show details for Title 2.1, Chapter 21 – (Repealed Effective October 1, 2001) Freedom of Information Act, §§ 2.1-340 through 2.Title 2.1, Chapter 21 – (Repealed Effective October 1, 2001) Freedom of Information Act, §§ 2.1-340 through 2.1-346.1
Show details for Title 2.2, Chapter 37 – Virginia Freedom of Information Act, §§ 2.2-3700 through 2.2-3714 Title 2.2, Chapter 37 – Virginia Freedom of Information Act, §§ 2.2-3700 through 2.2-3714
Show details for Title 3.1, Chapter 24 – Peanut Excise Tax, §§ 3.1-647 through 3.1-665Title 3.1, Chapter 24 – Peanut Excise Tax, §§ 3.1-647 through 3.1-665
Show details for Title 3.1, Chapter 25.1 – Soybean Assessment, §§ 3.1-684.1 through 3.1-684.19Title 3.1, Chapter 25.1 – Soybean Assessment, §§ 3.1-684.1 through 3.1-684.19
Show details for Title 3.1, Chapter 27 – Egg Tax, §§ 3.1-796.11:1 through 3.1-796.11:10Title 3.1, Chapter 27 – Egg Tax, §§ 3.1-796.11:1 through 3.1-796.11:10
Show details for Title 3.1, Chapter 27 – Slaughter Hog Tax, §§ 3.1-763.6 through 3.1-763.13Title 3.1, Chapter 27 – Slaughter Hog Tax, §§ 3.1-763.6 through 3.1-763.13
Show details for Title 3.1, Chapter 42 – Corn assessment, §§ 3.1-1031 through 3.1-1049Title 3.1, Chapter 42 – Corn assessment, §§ 3.1-1031 through 3.1-1049
Show details for Title 9, Chapter 50 – Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission, §§ 9-390 through 9-395 Title 9, Chapter 50 – Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission, §§ 9-390 through 9-395
Show details for Title 36, Chapter 1.4 – Low Income Housing Credit, § 36-55.63Title 36, Chapter 1.4 – Low Income Housing Credit, § 36-55.63
Show details for Title 58.1, Chapter General Provisions of Title 58.1, §§ 58.1-1 through 58.1-24Title 58.1, Chapter General Provisions of Title 58.1, §§ 58.1-1 through 58.1-24
Show details for Title 58.1, Chapter 1 – General Provisions, §§ 58.1-100 through 58.1-112Title 58.1, Chapter 1 – General Provisions, §§ 58.1-100 through 58.1-112
Show details for Title 58.1, Chapter 2 – Department of Taxation, §§ 58.1-200 through 58.1-220Title 58.1, Chapter 2 – Department of Taxation, §§ 58.1-200 through 58.1-220
Show details for Title 58.1, Chapter 3 – Income Tax, §§58.1-300 through 58.1-549Title 58.1, Chapter 3 – Income Tax, §§58.1-300 through 58.1-549
Show details for Title 58.1, Chapter 6 – Retail Sales and Use Tax, §§58.1-600 through 58.1-639Title 58.1, Chapter 6 – Retail Sales and Use Tax, §§58.1-600 through 58.1-639
Show details for Title 58.1, Chapter 6.1 – Virginia Tire Tax, §§58.1-640 through 58.1-644Title 58.1, Chapter 6.1 – Virginia Tire Tax, §§58.1-640 through 58.1-644
Show details for Title 58.1, Chapter 6.2 – Virginia Communication Sales and Use Tax Act, §§58.1-645 through 58.1-662Title 58.1, Chapter 6.2 – Virginia Communication Sales and Use Tax Act, §§58.1-645 through 58.1-662
Show details for Title 58.1, Chapter 8 – State Recordation Tax, §§58.1-800 through 58.1-816.1Title 58.1, Chapter 8 – State Recordation Tax, §§58.1-800 through 58.1-816.1
Show details for Title 58.1, Chapter 9 – Virginia Estate Tax, §§58.1-900 through 58.1-938Title 58.1, Chapter 9 – Virginia Estate Tax, §§58.1-900 through 58.1-938
Show details for Title 58.1, Chapter 10 – Cigarette Tax, §§58.1-1000 through 58.1-1022Title 58.1, Chapter 10 – Cigarette Tax, §§58.1-1000 through 58.1-1022
Show details for Title 58.1, Chapter 10.1 – Enforcement of Illegal Sale or Distribution of Cigarettes Act, §§58.1-1031 through Title 58.1, Chapter 10.1 – Enforcement of Illegal Sale or Distribution of Cigarettes Act, §§58.1-1031 through 58.1-1037
Show details for Title 58.1, Chapter 11 – Intangible Personal Property Tax, §§58.1-1100 through 58.1-1118Title 58.1, Chapter 11 – Intangible Personal Property Tax, §§58.1-1100 through 58.1-1118
Show details for Title 58.1, Chapter 12 – Bank Franchise Tax, §§58.1-1200 through 58.1-1217Title 58.1, Chapter 12 – Bank Franchise Tax, §§58.1-1200 through 58.1-1217
Show details for Title 58.1, Chapter 14 – Virginia Watercraft Sales and Use Tax, §§58.1-1400 through 58.1-1410Title 58.1, Chapter 14 – Virginia Watercraft Sales and Use Tax, §§58.1-1400 through 58.1-1410
Show details for Title 58.1, Chapter 15 – Virginia Aircraft Sales and Use Tax, §§58.1-1500 through 58.1-1510Title 58.1, Chapter 15 – Virginia Aircraft Sales and Use Tax, §§58.1-1500 through 58.1-1510
Show details for Title 58.1, Chapter 16 – Forest Products Tax, §§58.1-1600 through 58.1-1622Title 58.1, Chapter 16 – Forest Products Tax, §§58.1-1600 through 58.1-1622
Show details for Title 58.1, Chapter 17 – Miscellaneous Taxes, §§58.1-1700 through 58.1-1729Title 58.1, Chapter 17 – Miscellaneous Taxes, §§58.1-1700 through 58.1-1729
Show details for Title 58.1, Chapter 18 – Enforcement, Collection, Refund, Remedies and Review of State Taxes, §§58.1-1800 throTitle 58.1, Chapter 18 – Enforcement, Collection, Refund, Remedies and Review of State Taxes, §§58.1-1800 through 58.1-1845
Show details for Title 58.1, Chapter 20 – Taxes Administered by Other Agencies/General Provisions, §§58.1-2020 through 58.1 203Title 58.1, Chapter 20 – Taxes Administered by Other Agencies/General Provisions, §§58.1-2020 through 58.1 2035
Show details for Title 58.1, Chapter 21 – Fuels Tax [Repealed effective January 1, 2001], §§58.1-2100 through 58.1-2147Title 58.1, Chapter 21 – Fuels Tax [Repealed effective January 1, 2001], §§58.1-2100 through 58.1-2147
Show details for Title 58.1, Chapter 22 – Virginia Fuels Tax Act [Effective January 1, 2001], §§58.1-2200 through 58.1 2290Title 58.1, Chapter 22 – Virginia Fuels Tax Act [Effective January 1, 2001], §§58.1-2200 through 58.1 2290
Show details for Title 58.1, Chapter 24 – Virginia Motor Vehicle Sales and Use Tax, §§58.1-2400 through 58.1-2426Title 58.1, Chapter 24 – Virginia Motor Vehicle Sales and Use Tax, §§58.1-2400 through 58.1-2426
Show details for Title 58.1, Chapter 25 – License Tax on Certain Insurance Companies, §§58.1-2500 through 58.1-2530Title 58.1, Chapter 25 – License Tax on Certain Insurance Companies, §§58.1-2500 through 58.1-2530
Show details for Title 58.1, Chapter 26 – Taxation of Public Service Corporations, §§58.1-2600 through 58.1-2690Title 58.1, Chapter 26 – Taxation of Public Service Corporations, §§58.1-2600 through 58.1-2690
Show details for Title 58.1, Chapter 27 – Road Tax on Motor Carriers, §§58.1-2700 through 58.1-2712.2Title 58.1, Chapter 27 – Road Tax on Motor Carriers, §§58.1-2700 through 58.1-2712.2
Show details for Title 58.1, Chapter 28 – Corporation Charter and Related Fees, and Franchise Taxes, §§58.1-2800 through 58.1-2Title 58.1, Chapter 28 – Corporation Charter and Related Fees, and Franchise Taxes, §§58.1-2800 through 58.1-2814
Show details for Title 58.1, Chapter 29 – Electric Utility Consumption Tax, §§58.1-2900 through 58.1-2903Title 58.1, Chapter 29 – Electric Utility Consumption Tax, §§58.1-2900 through 58.1-2903
Show details for Title 58.1, Chapter 29.1 – Natural Gas Consumption Tax, §§58.1-2904 through 58.1-2907Title 58.1, Chapter 29.1 – Natural Gas Consumption Tax, §§58.1-2904 through 58.1-2907
Show details for Title 58.1, Chapter 30 – Local Taxes/General Provisions, §§58.1-3000 through 58.1-3018Title 58.1, Chapter 30 – Local Taxes/General Provisions, §§58.1-3000 through 58.1-3018
Show details for Title 58.1, Chapter 31 – Local Officers, §§58.1-3100 through 58.1-3177Title 58.1, Chapter 31 – Local Officers, §§58.1-3100 through 58.1-3177
Show details for Title 58.1, Chapter 32 – Real Property Tax, §§58.1-3200 through 58.1-3389Title 58.1, Chapter 32 – Real Property Tax, §§58.1-3200 through 58.1-3389
Show details for Title 58.1, Chapter 34 – Payments in Lieu of Real Property Taxation, §§58.1-3400 through 58.1-3407Title 58.1, Chapter 34 – Payments in Lieu of Real Property Taxation, §§58.1-3400 through 58.1-3407
Show details for Title 58.1, Chapter 35 – Tangible Personal Property, Machinery and Tools and Merchants’ Capital, §§58.1-3500 tTitle 58.1, Chapter 35 – Tangible Personal Property, Machinery and Tools and Merchants’ Capital, §§58.1-3500 through 58.1-3522
Show details for Title 58.1, Chapter 35.1 – Personal Property Tax Relief Act of 1998, §§58.1-3523 through 58.1-3536Title 58.1, Chapter 35.1 – Personal Property Tax Relief Act of 1998, §§58.1-3523 through 58.1-3536
Show details for Title 58.1, Chapter 36 – Tax Exempt Property, §§58.1-3600 through 58.1-3666Title 58.1, Chapter 36 – Tax Exempt Property, §§58.1-3600 through 58.1-3666
Show details for Title 58.1, Chapter 37 – License Taxes, §§58.1-3700 through 58.1-3735Title 58.1, Chapter 37 – License Taxes, §§58.1-3700 through 58.1-3735
Show details for Title 58.1, Chapter 38 – Miscellaneous Taxes, §§58.1-3800 through 58.1-3850Title 58.1, Chapter 38 – Miscellaneous Taxes, §§58.1-3800 through 58.1-3850
Show details for Title 58.1, Chapter 39 – Enforcement, Collection, Refunds, Remedies and Review of Local Taxes, §§58.1-3900 thrTitle 58.1, Chapter 39 – Enforcement, Collection, Refunds, Remedies and Review of Local Taxes, §§58.1-3900 through 58.1-3993
Show details for Title 58.1, Chapter 40 – State Lottery Law, §§58.1-4000 through 58.1-4028Title 58.1, Chapter 40 – State Lottery Law, §§58.1-4000 through 58.1-4028
Show details for Title 59.1, Chapter 22 – Enterprise Zone Act, §§ 59.1-270 through 59.1-284.19Title 59.1, Chapter 22 – Enterprise Zone Act, §§ 59.1-270 through 59.1-284.19
Show details for Title 63.1, Chapter 19 – Neighborhood Assistance Act, §§ 63.1-320 through 63.1-325.2Title 63.1, Chapter 19 – Neighborhood Assistance Act, §§ 63.1-320 through 63.1-325.2
phreedm,
I agree that there are a lot of taxes being levied against the people of the United States. I agree that our government is not using the money it brings in wisely. I agree that there should be plenty of money brought in through other means. That doesn’t change the fact that our government is NOT run efficiently and if we were to simply cut out the property taxes, there wouldn’t be money available for services the government provides; services I like having, such as police and fire protection.
In order for the government to operate on lower income, something needs to change for the better. How do we go about making the government more efficient? How do we make frugality something politicians want to vote on? How do we set up guidelines to keep the government from wasting the hard earned money of the tax payers?
Funny how, when it’s a democrat in office, it’s stealing, but a republican, it’s a fair taxation…
KA…you’re a moron. Rarely do I say that anymore, but you are definitely a moron…
Nowhere did I even hint at that. Nowhere have I ever changed descriptions of taxation that in the way you suggest. You obviously have no clue to my political philosophy…
What you’ve clearly established is that you are a a dyed in the wool liberal…
ladyrebecca:
How ‘bout structuring it like the private sector?—mandate it to be run within the confines of tax receipts, and require annual performance reviews of both hired and elected individuals to ensure accountability for their performance.
By passing laws that require them to be frugal.
By electing individuals with prior business experience—who know how the free market functions; who are themselves, responsible and persons of integrity—and above all, who are not socialists like the current majority in our Federal government.
Coming from 1 of the guys who frequently trolls a blog that is 100% antithetical to his belief system, a guy who believes in magic & fairies? Life goes on.
Lessee…separation of church & state is a ‘myth’, all liberals are wrong, all liberals are idiots, anti-evolution, USA founded as xtian country, pro-Reagan, pro-Bush,…
Yeah, not only do I have a clue, I’m not the moron here.
Huh? I don’t wear wool.
(Hehehehe)
Really, 4 years you’ve been bothering people on this blog. There’s nothing more pathetic than people who don’t know that they’re not wanted.
jcc,
What you said are great goals. I already know those goals. If it were as easy as saying, “Make a law that makes the government work better” it would already be done.
You said, “mandate it to be run within the confines of tax receipts”
And when the military runs out of money 3/4 of the way through the year? Do they send everyone home, unemployed for 3 months?
Every “solution” you posted is the goal, not the solution. Goals are great but they are only the “what” and not the “how.” What I am interested in is the HOW, which is why I asked, “HOW do we go about making the government more efficient? HOW do we make frugality something politicians want to vote on? HOW do we set up guidelines to keep the government from wasting the hard earned money of the tax payers?”
HOW is the question.
Wow, Dave,
Yesterday my password didn’t work, today I post without logging on. Well, we shall see.
While the first ammendment establishes that their will be no state religion, the freemason leaders of the first continental congress made sure that freedom of religion was an irrevocable right of any citizen. For good or bad, such is the case. They were not atheists, but they had seen and heard of the consequence of the union of church and state in Europe before the colonies had formed. The oppression of the Catholics and reformists during and after Henry VIII. The Spanish Inquisitions. The lesson was learned, church and state do not mix.
And as long as we are being honest, the French Revolution which was not only a rebellion again the royalty, but against the catholic church, but the hallowed leader of the movement, Robespierre, tried to establish a new state religion with him as the prophet. That also went badly.
My point is that religion was mistakenly protected by the founding fathers in their desire to keep people from being persecuted for what they believe. But, I think you will find an equally compelling case for separation of church and state, and no grounds whatsoever that religious charlitans can make tax free millions claiming to be religious guides. When L. Ron Hubbard can sell a piece of science fiction as as religion and turn it into a global enterprise, then we as humans have clearly lost our way. But, we keep being shown the Jim Jones, and the Marshall Applewhites, and we just never learn. I can’t save humanity, all I or anyone else can do is keep reminding humanity of its stupidity and hope they come to their senses.
NeoWolfe
I’m just sayin’
Daid Silverman
Why are you blogging about this religious nut Rick Warren, who is asking for donations, rather than blogging about religious nut Llyod Blankfein, who probably had the single biggest hand in destroying or economy. Wrong religion, no? Member of your cult?
zeke obviously has trouble distinguishing between religion and greed. They are both fatal flaws in the human condition that need to be remedied in order to save civilization, but, are really only connected by those who use religion for finacial profit. Unfortunately, our country has evolved into an entity that encourages both. Anti trust laws were passed many years ago that were intended to not only prevent monopolies, but also to keep any corporate entity from becoming so large it could not be allowed to fail in the free market system. But, the last we heard of that effort was the disintegration of Bell Telephone. Since then corporate conglomeration, especially on the financial level has been irresponsibly ignored. So, while it’s true that Blankfein has been complicit in selling out the “American dream”, and should be imprisoned for the rest of his life, at least he didn’t try to sell us an afterlife in return for our money, nor did he claim tax exemption while he butt raping us without lube. Hopefully that clears up the distinction.
NeoWolfe
Crap. Zeke is a sock puppet of What. Holy mental mirage, Batman!
Seriously, what, go bother your buddies @ Stormfront or something. Don’t you see how crazed it is, that you HAVE to sneak onto a website (twice!) in disguise?
You’re not wanted. Now be a good wacko, & sod off.
the thing that really bugs me is that these tv evangelicals exist on this special treatment….my bet is that well over half of every dollar go towards overhead like buildings and salaries…..its so gross….people think they are buying their way into heaven when really all they’re doing is supporting outlandish life styles…..
I dont have a clue where Rick Warren falls….he might be an exception….I due have a clue that most have abused this tax exempt status….
Charlie says:
I due have a clue that most have abused this tax exempt status…
Really? How about sharing that information with the rest of us.
challenge excepted
first lets agree on who are the tv evangelicals….
my short list is: Oral Roberts, Pat Robertson Jerry Falwell, Rick Warren, Benny Hinn, Jimmy Swaggart and Jim Baker….
Im sure I’m missing a few more so I will add tomorrow
Ah…now you’re fine tuning your claim. OK…go ahead. But that’s not how one would have read your original post.
cool….thanks for your response…..here is a big list that I will try to pick the big ten from….I will try to use popularity as a measure to determine who gets on the list….I’ll only go back 20 years….and of course include Rick Warren….
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_American_televangelists
once we agree on the list; we then can look at where they have lived, the value of what they lived in and drove, to see who was modest or who was shamelessly abusing this tax exempt privilege….
my guess is that the majority have no ethics…. maybe truly believing that their ill gotten gains were rewards from the lord….
these con operations are only about gaining membership numbers, spending the majority of charitable contributions on all that it takes to put on the show…..sure some contributions make there way down to the less fortunate…but the majority only pays for salaries and overhead…..
Here’s a video on this subject
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18LpZ6Gq0Zg&feature=related
My biggest problem is that they are selling hope and, in the process, hurting people. They promise a certain thing and when it’s not delivered, it’s your fault for “not believing enough” or “not praying enough” or “not giving enough” or “not (enter religious thing here) enough.”
It’s false advertising and it pisses me off.
Lady…such as what?
What are you asking? What are you asking “such as what?” about?
It’s false advertising and it pisses me off.
I knew as soon as I read “zeke”‘s post that he was playing the antisemite card, but I just needed one post to draw him into the spotlight. It worked nicely. He is definitely a bigot, but, now we know he’s also a shitty poker player.
Let me tell you again, all you free thinkers, that just because someone doesn’t believe in god or religion, does not necessarily make them a brother. They would prefer Hitler’s solution rather that calling mankind to common sense.
If given their way, and all the Jews were gone, who would be the next target? Blacks? Puerto Ricans? Haitians? Here we sit imagining ourselves to be in a forum of enlightened individuals because we share a disdain of religion, but yet the neonazi mindset is alive and well.
NeoWolfe
FYI Zeke = Rice = What
Are you kiddin’ me? I’ve been battling Zeke fer days, & you take the credit for it? Self involved much?
That echoes something I said years ago on this very blog: not every xtian’s our enemy, not every atheist a friend.
That being said, I’ve waged multiple battles on this blog w/some raving anti-Semites that make what/rice/zeke look tame. I’m saying this so you don’t take credit on 1 of your sporadic visits.
You people need to take your pick of creationists loons over in some choice youtube videos. The forum format sucks but the creationists and other theist loons are always fresh while still providing us with the occasional repeat deluded theist to slap around and remind him of his past failures.