BellaOnline Forums Religion and Spirituality Atheist a nice cup of coffee

I hear ya! I suspect some of the people are doing it for the money it brings in, others for their own power-greed, and sadly, many are likely unthinking sheep who just do what they are told.

Here is a link to an article that explains about these types of ministries and how they are raking in millions of dollars, all tax free and just how easy it is for anyone to set up a ministry such as this!

BellaOnline ALERT: Raw URLs are not allowed in these forums for security reasons. Please use UBB code. If you don't know how to do UBB code just post here for help - we will help out!

I HAVE to weigh in on this.
I agree that some "churches" do take advantage of people and that many are hurt and devastated by their experiences with evangelical groups.
However --it seems that you are all falling into the trap of throwing all Christians into the one barrel.
I want you to know that some of us ARE different.I have been a pastor for over 30 years and in that time I have never earned more that $30,000 a year- out of which I pay all my own expenses. Our church of less than 100 people has a Food Pantry as part of our ministry and just last month we supplied food to 197 families. YEs some of that food comes from a local Food Bank --but a lot of it comes from the generosity of our church people , many of whom give sacrificially so others can be helped. It is also not unusual for us as a church to pay people's utility bills, provide rides to medical appointments, supply clothing and other basic needs to struggling families.
Yes Hillsong and Corporations like it ( I refuse to call it a church) may present a horrible image of "Christianity" , but there are literally thousands of smaller churches around the world who are a living testimony for Jesus Christ who can rightly be proud of their ministry and work in local communities.
The "big" names , including many of TV evangelists, are NOT a true representation of what true Biblical Christianity really is.

I didn't say that all Christians are the same. I was talking about the ones that are fanatical, that do take advantage of and hurt others.

Sikpiksie

Thanks for your clarification Sikpiksie.

And I do agree that a lot of "Christians" cause unbelieveable trouble for many people.

I guess the old saying is still true: "It's the squeaky wheel that gets the oil".

Maybe some of us need to speak up more and delcare our horror of wht sometimes goes on in the name of Christ.

Thanks Gaye :

And I know first hand your experiences in Oz. I spent 16 years there----in Victoria, Sydney and Brisbane.
Been there ! Done that !! And hate it as much as you do !!!

Stay strong!