[Vision2020] The Poor and Sick And Those In Need (was meals on
wheels)
J Ford
privatejf32 at hotmail.com
Sat Mar 18 17:33:36 PST 2006
To follow-up on this subject, the following appeared on Dale's blog this
week:
"Ben Franklin Quote of the Day
"[T]he more public provisions were made for the poor, the less they
provided for themselves, and of course became poorer. And, on the contrary,
the less was done for them, the more they did for themselves, and became
richer."
—Benjamin Franklin
HT: John V
Published Friday, 17 March, 2006 2:29 PM by dmcourtn"
I searched over 100 Ben Franklin sites last night and I could not find this
passage anywhere. If anyone (besides his comblessness or any other CCer)
could direct me to it, I'd appreciate it. There are several places in Poor
Richard's that Ben said the taking care of poor and sick was a DUTY of all
who claim God as their own. As does Jesus.
J :]
>From: "Art Deco" <deco at moscow.com>
>To: "Vision 2020" <vision2020 at moscow.com>
>Subject: Re: [Vision2020] meals on wheels
>Date: Sat, 18 Mar 2006 13:03:56 -0800
>
>Ellen,
>
>Do you not see any connection between the following sentences:
>
>"The subject of this thread [meals on wheels] and the issue it deals with
>is a perfect opportunity for Christians and so-called Christian
>organizations to demonstrate their commitment to the major teachings of the
>Gospels."
>
>And
>
>"I don't think most people realize the situations (physical, mental,
>social, etc. ) of the people who benefit from meals on wheels." --Tom Ivie
>
>And
>
>What should be the object of a Christian's charity according to the Gospels
>of Christ? The poor and the sick!
>
>???
>
>Instead of a bunch of hypocrites pretending to be Christians, why do we not
>seeing them aiding the poor and sick like those that depend on Meals and
>Wheels and thus demonstrating their commitment to fundamental Christian
>principles instead of gifting an already wealthy parson with a truck?
>
>
>As a reminder I append the appropriate scripture. Notice that according to
>Christ in this passage the only way to get to heaven is by helping the
>unfortunate, including the poor and sick.
>
>For those Christians without the patience to read the primary source in the
>first book of the New Testament here is a recap:
>
>At end times God will denote all persons as either sheep or goats. The
>sheep are the ones who practiced aiding the unfortunate. The goats did
>not. The sheep go to heaven. The goats go to hell.
>
>Of course, those who are not Christians may choose to act kindly toward the
>unfortunate. Those who allege they are Christians, but do not make it a
>ruling priority/practice in their lives to aid the unfortunate, are either
>hypocrites or self-deceivers. It is not enough to "Talk the Talk," but a
>Christian must Walk the Walk."
>
>
>Art Deco (Wayne A. Fox)
>deco at moscow.com
>
>
>Matthew 25:31 et seq Young's Literal Translation of the Bible
>
>
>
>[The Words of Christ:]
>
>
>
>31 'And whenever the Son of Man may come in his glory, and all the holy
>messengers with him, then he shall sit upon a throne of his glory;
>
>
>
>
>32 and gathered together before him shall be all the nations, and he
>shall separate them from one another, as the shepherd doth separate the
>sheep from the goats,
>
>
>
>33 and he shall set the sheep indeed on his right hand, and the goats on
>the left.
>
>
>
>34 'Then shall the king say to those on his right hand, Come ye, the
>blessed of my Father, inherit the reign that hath been prepared for you
>from the foundation of the world;
>
>
>
>35 for I did hunger, and ye gave me to eat; I did thirst, and ye gave me
>to drink; I was a stranger, and ye received me;
>
>
>
>36 naked, and ye put around me; I was infirm, and ye looked after me; in
>prison I was, and ye came unto me.
>
>
>
>37 'Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when did we see
>thee hungering, and we nourished? or thirsting, and we gave to drink?
>
>
>
>38 and when did we see thee a stranger, and we received? or naked, and we
>put around?
>
>
>
>39 and when did we see thee infirm, or in prison, and we came unto thee?
>
>
>
>40 'And the king answering, shall say to them, Verily I say to you,
>Inasmuch as ye did it to one of these my brethren-the least-to me ye did
>it.
>
>
>
>41 Then shall he say also to those on the left hand, Go ye from me, the
>cursed, to the fire, the age-during, that hath been prepared for the Devil
>and his messengers;
>
>
>
>42 for I did hunger, and ye gave me not to eat; I did thirst, and ye gave
>me not to drink;
>
>
>
>43 a stranger I was, and ye did not receive me; naked, and ye put not
>around me; infirm, and in prison, and ye did not look after me.
>
>
>
>44 'Then shall they answer, they also, saying, Lord, when did we see thee
>hungering, or thirsting, or a stranger, or naked, or infirm, or in prison,
>and we did not minister to thee?
>
>
>
>45 'Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say to you, Inasmuch as
>ye did it not to one of these, the least, ye did it not to me.
>
>
>
>46 And these shall go away to punishment age-during, but the righteous to
>life age-during.'
>
>
>
>----- Original Message -----
>From: Ellen Roskovich
>To: deco at moscow.com ; vision2020 at moscow.com
>Sent: Saturday, March 18, 2006 8:59 AM
>Subject: Re: [Vision2020] meals on wheels
>
>
>This is SO MISLEADING. This has NOTHING to do with MEALS ON WHEELS. This
>is a PRIVATE little inside joke with Joan.
>
>The only reason I opened this was because I thought it was some new info on
>the Meals on Wheels dilemma. . . . THAT I am interested in. But NO, it's
>just you being yourself.
>
>Where's my DELETE button. . . . .
>
>Ellen Roskovich
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> From: "Art Deco" <deco at moscow.com>
> To: "Vision 2020" <vision2020 at moscow.com>
> Subject: Re: [Vision2020] meals on wheels
> Date: Sat, 18 Mar 2006 08:17:32 -0800
>
>
> Joan,
>
> You make several interesting points about the Wilson & Family's Cult &
>Cash Machine. However, the reference to the gift of a truck by cult
>members to the Cultmaster is a very telling one. It shows how unchristian
>the organization and its starry-eyed flock is and how far they have
>hypocritically wandered from the teachings of Christ in whom they allege to
>believe.
>
> What should be the object of a Christian's charity according to the
>Gospels of Christ? The poor and the sick!
>
> But don't just take the word of a nonbeliever for it. Below, with
>emphasis added, is a timely article by a religious professional from the
>USAToday of March 12, 2006 discussing this same subject, albeit in a wider
>context, and much more eloquently than I can.
>
> Read it and draw your own conclusions not only about the Wilson &
>Family's Cult & Cash Machine but about some other area religious
>organizations. The subject of this thread and the issue it deals with is a
>perfect opportunity for Christians and so-called Christian organizations to
>demonstrate their commitment to the major teachings of the Gospels.
>
> Cheers,
>
>
> Art Deco (Wayne A. Fox)
> deco at moscow.com
>
> _______________________________________________
> Posted 3/12/2006 8:27 PM USAToday
>
> Not heard from the pulpit
> By Tom Ehrich
>
> Preachers and Sunday school teachers are pulling their punches these
>days regarding morality. Our nation needs ethical and religious instruction
>in the basics: honesty, fidelity, humility, sharing wealth, sharing power
>and sacrifice. Yet those are the last topics one is likely to hear in
>churches.
> Instead, for more than a decade, preachers have been grandstanding about
>such secondary issues as sexuality, Christmas greetings and
>institution-building.
>
> Consider the day in 2004 when former Enron Corp. chief Ken Lay appeared
>in federal court to answer an 11-count indictment for fraud, conspiracy and
>false statements. (Lay is on trial in Houston.) On the way to court, he
>stopped by Houston's prominent First United Methodist Church to pray. His
>pastor accompanied him when he turned himself in to authorities.
>
> Good gestures, to be sure, but how had Lay, a regular worshiper and lay
>leader, gotten so ethically challenged? Some ethical guidance clearly had
>gone unheard or unspoken. His church encourages "disciplines of faithful
>living," but current Sunday classes sound the bell for self-improvement,
>not sacrificial giving or courageous honesty in a world growing accustomed
>to deceit.
>
> When WorldCom chief Bernard Ebbers began to feel the heat of scandal, he
>stood before his friends at Easthaven Baptist Church, in Brookhaven, Miss.,
>and declared, "I just want you to know you aren't going to church with a
>crook." A federal jury disagreed and convicted him of fraud. How could a
>dedicated Sunday school teacher have gotten so off track? His church's
>mission statement is about the institution's growth potential, not about
>living decent lives.
>
> Attending church surely doesn't make one immune to ungodly deeds? we are
>all sinners, after all? but churchgoers should be able to get guidance on
>how to lead a responsible life, not reminders of church politics, from the
>pulpit.
>
> Jesus devoted roughly two-thirds of his teachings to our need to give
>away wealth and to value humility and servanthood more than power. Paul
>condemned "love of money." Hebrew prophets spoke forcefully against greed,
>bribery and injustice. The Law of Moses is concerned with basic ethics?
>respect for persons and property, truth-telling, generosity and mercy.
>
> Yet, in the typical congregation, it is safer to preach about someone
>else's sexual behavior than about wise and faithful use of money, or on
>economic dislocation, corporate ethics or widening gaps in the distribution
>of wealth. That's my conclusion based on a survey of several dozen websites
>and posted sermons, as well as my experience both as a preacher and
>listener.
>
> One winning formula goes after themes that are minor in Scripture but
>big in the culture wars.
>
> Consider Tom DeLay, often identified as a born-again Christian, whose
>indictment for money laundering forced him to resign as Republican leader
>in the House of Representatives. A recent sermon series at a church with
>which he used to be associated condemned homosexuality, abortion and
>gambling. But it ignored Scripture's more basic theme of honesty and mercy
>as hallmarks of truth, and leadership as requiring people "who fear God,
>are trustworthy, and hate dishonest gain."
>
> With rare exceptions, preachers of all stripes seem to avoid what Jesus
>said about wealth and power. Instead, they preach about church politics,
>upcoming festivals and personal improvement.
>
> Despite cascading corporate and political scandals, a widening gap
>between rich and poor and mounting arrogance in public life, I read hardly
>a word about honesty, integrity, mercy, forgiveness, generosity, kindness
>or humility.
>
> I know how dangerous it is to venture into the nuts and bolts of
>Christian ethics. People will endure sermons about esoterica such as stem
>cell research or same-sex marriage, but they'll squirm when talk turns to
>personal priorities, time spent away from family, wealth accumulation,
>casual adultery or truth-telling. It is safer to lambaste gays than to tout
>Jesus' model of embracing diversity. It is more profitable to back one
>political party than to call all leaders to account for their behavior. A
>dull preacher will be tolerated; an intrusive one will be fired.
>
> Our nation needs better from us. We don't need extremist politics
>masquerading as Christian morality. We need solid and consistent
>instruction in the basics of godly living. We can't hold churches
>accountable for what parishioners refuse to hear. But we can hold them
>accountable for what they shrink from saying.
>
> Tom Ehrich is an Episcopal pastor, author, teacher and writer in Durham,
>N.C.
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Joan Opyr
> To: Tom Ivie
> Cc: Vision2020 Moscow
> Sent: Friday, March 17, 2006 4:36 PM
> Subject: Re: [Vision2020] meals on wheels
>
>
> On 17 Mar 2006, at 16:10, Tom Ivie wrote:
>
>
> This really sounds like a silent tragedy. I am surprised the papers
>haven't done anything with this story. I don't think most people realize
>the situations (physical, mental, social, etc. ) of the people who benefit
>from meals on wheels. I hope for our seniors sake that this can get
>resolved soon. Linda Pike is a real go-getter and if anyone can find a
>workable solution, she can.
>
>
>
> I agree with you, Tom, except for the part where you express surprise
>that this story has not been covered by our local papers. That's the one
>piece of this whole ordeal that doesn't surprise me at all. The Daily News
>has fallen to bits. While Ed Iverson piddles away all the editorial board's
>credibility on the Op-Ed page, the Daily News staff miss story after story
>after story. And what they do cover they generally screw up. "WalMart Given
>Yellow Light By Moscow P & Z?" Was the DN reporter attending the same P & Z
>meeting that everyone else attended? I don't think so; I think their
>reporter was (once again) in a parallel universe. You know, that universe
>in which Tom Henderson of the Lewiston Tribune bemoans the fact that when
>George Bush breaks the law, Congress changes the law to make Bush's actions
>retroactively legal. Meanwhile, Henderson's wife, Virginia, argues on
>behalf of the Daily New that when Doug Wilson defies city zoning ordinance
>not once, not twice, but three times, it is both wise and reasonable for
>the city to set fire to its comprehensive plan in order to rewrite the
>zoning laws to suit him. Fascinatin', ain't it?
>
> Joan Opyr/Auntie Establishment
> www.joanopyr.com
>
> PS: I fear that while Doug screams persecution, what he actually gets is
>special treatment. Say, do you think their might be a connection? If I
>flash my ULC Minister's card around, will the city let me run a meth lab in
>my chicken house? It sure would help me pay the mortgage and, um, meth is
>part of my religious observance. Yeah, that's the ticket! Yeah! And
>marijuana, too. I need a greenhouse and some grow lamps. Anyone care to
>make a Church of Auntie Establishment tax-fraud-deductible "love gift?" Or
>perhaps buy me a new truck? You can do that in my church just as easily as
>in Doug's -- and the truck doesn't have to be new. In fact, it doesn't have
>to be a truck. I'm still plumping for that 1968 Mustang Fastback, folks!
>
>
>
>------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
> _____________________________________________________
> List services made available by First Step Internet,
> serving the communities of the Palouse since 1994.
> http://www.fsr.net
> mailto:Vision2020 at moscow.com
> /////////////////////////////////////////////////////
>
>
> >_____________________________________________________
> > List services made available by First Step Internet,
> > serving the communities of the Palouse since 1994.
> > http://www.fsr.net
> > mailto:Vision2020 at moscow.com
> >¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
>
>
>
>
>
>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
>_____________________________________________________
> List services made available by First Step Internet,
> serving the communities of the Palouse since 1994.
> http://www.fsr.net
> mailto:Vision2020 at moscow.com
>¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
>
>
>
>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
>This is SO MISLEADING. This has NOTHING to do with MEALS ON WHEELS. This
>is a PRIVATE little inside joke with Joan.
>
>The only reason I opened this was because I thought it was some new info on
>the Meals on Wheels dilemma. . . . THAT I am interested in. But NO, it's
>just you being yourself.
>
>Where's my DELETE button. . . . .
>
>Ellen Roskovich
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> From: "Art Deco" <deco at moscow.com>
> To: "Vision 2020" <vision2020 at moscow.com>
> Subject: Re: [Vision2020] meals on wheels
> Date: Sat, 18 Mar 2006 08:17:32 -0800
>
>
> Joan,
>
> You make several interesting points about the Wilson & Family's Cult &
>Cash Machine. However, the reference to the gift of a truck by cult
>members to the Cultmaster is a very telling one. It shows how unchristian
>the organization and its starry-eyed flock is and how far they have
>hypocritically wandered from the teachings of Christ in whom they allege to
>believe.
>
> What should be the object of a Christian's charity according to the
>Gospels of Christ? The poor and the sick!
>
> But don't just take the word of a nonbeliever for it. Below, with
>emphasis added, is a timely article by a religious professional from the
>USAToday of March 12, 2006 discussing this same subject, albeit in a wider
>context, and much more eloquently than I can.
>
> Read it and draw your own conclusions not only about the Wilson &
>Family's Cult & Cash Machine but about some other area religious
>organizations. The subject of this thread and the issue it deals with is a
>perfect opportunity for Christians and so-called Christian organizations to
>demonstrate their commitment to the major teachings of the Gospels.
>
> Cheers,
>
>
> Art Deco (Wayne A. Fox)
> deco at moscow.com
>
> _______________________________________________
> Posted 3/12/2006 8:27 PM USAToday
>
> Not heard from the pulpit
> By Tom Ehrich
>
> Preachers and Sunday school teachers are pulling their punches these
>days regarding morality. Our nation needs ethical and religious instruction
>in the basics: honesty, fidelity, humility, sharing wealth, sharing power
>and sacrifice. Yet those are the last topics one is likely to hear in
>churches.
> Instead, for more than a decade, preachers have been grandstanding about
>such secondary issues as sexuality, Christmas greetings and
>institution-building.
>
> Consider the day in 2004 when former Enron Corp. chief Ken Lay appeared
>in federal court to answer an 11-count indictment for fraud, conspiracy and
>false statements. (Lay is on trial in Houston.) On the way to court, he
>stopped by Houston's prominent First United Methodist Church to pray. His
>pastor accompanied him when he turned himself in to authorities.
>
> Good gestures, to be sure, but how had Lay, a regular worshiper and lay
>leader, gotten so ethically challenged? Some ethical guidance clearly had
>gone unheard or unspoken. His church encourages "disciplines of faithful
>living," but current Sunday classes sound the bell for self-improvement,
>not sacrificial giving or courageous honesty in a world growing accustomed
>to deceit.
>
> When WorldCom chief Bernard Ebbers began to feel the heat of scandal, he
>stood before his friends at Easthaven Baptist Church, in Brookhaven, Miss.,
>and declared, "I just want you to know you aren't going to church with a
>crook." A federal jury disagreed and convicted him of fraud. How could a
>dedicated Sunday school teacher have gotten so off track? His church's
>mission statement is about the institution's growth potential, not about
>living decent lives.
>
> Attending church surely doesn't make one immune to ungodly deeds? we are
>all sinners, after all? but churchgoers should be able to get guidance on
>how to lead a responsible life, not reminders of church politics, from the
>pulpit.
>
> Jesus devoted roughly two-thirds of his teachings to our need to give
>away wealth and to value humility and servanthood more than power. Paul
>condemned "love of money." Hebrew prophets spoke forcefully against greed,
>bribery and injustice. The Law of Moses is concerned with basic ethics?
>respect for persons and property, truth-telling, generosity and mercy.
>
> Yet, in the typical congregation, it is safer to preach about someone
>else's sexual behavior than about wise and faithful use of money, or on
>economic dislocation, corporate ethics or widening gaps in the distribution
>of wealth. That's my conclusion based on a survey of several dozen websites
>and posted sermons, as well as my experience both as a preacher and
>listener.
>
> One winning formula goes after themes that are minor in Scripture but
>big in the culture wars.
>
> Consider Tom DeLay, often identified as a born-again Christian, whose
>indictment for money laundering forced him to resign as Republican leader
>in the House of Representatives. A recent sermon series at a church with
>which he used to be associated condemned homosexuality, abortion and
>gambling. But it ignored Scripture's more basic theme of honesty and mercy
>as hallmarks of truth, and leadership as requiring people "who fear God,
>are trustworthy, and hate dishonest gain."
>
> With rare exceptions, preachers of all stripes seem to avoid what Jesus
>said about wealth and power. Instead, they preach about church politics,
>upcoming festivals and personal improvement.
>
> Despite cascading corporate and political scandals, a widening gap
>between rich and poor and mounting arrogance in public life, I read hardly
>a word about honesty, integrity, mercy, forgiveness, generosity, kindness
>or humility.
>
> I know how dangerous it is to venture into the nuts and bolts of
>Christian ethics. People will endure sermons about esoterica such as stem
>cell research or same-sex marriage, but they'll squirm when talk turns to
>personal priorities, time spent away from family, wealth accumulation,
>casual adultery or truth-telling. It is safer to lambaste gays than to tout
>Jesus' model of embracing diversity. It is more profitable to back one
>political party than to call all leaders to account for their behavior. A
>dull preacher will be tolerated; an intrusive one will be fired.
>
> Our nation needs better from us. We don't need extremist politics
>masquerading as Christian morality. We need solid and consistent
>instruction in the basics of godly living. We can't hold churches
>accountable for what parishioners refuse to hear. But we can hold them
>accountable for what they shrink from saying.
>
> Tom Ehrich is an Episcopal pastor, author, teacher and writer in Durham,
>N.C.
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Joan Opyr
> To: Tom Ivie
> Cc: Vision2020 Moscow
> Sent: Friday, March 17, 2006 4:36 PM
> Subject: Re: [Vision2020] meals on wheels
>
>
> On 17 Mar 2006, at 16:10, Tom Ivie wrote:
>
>
> This really sounds like a silent tragedy. I am surprised the papers
>haven't done anything with this story. I don't think most people realize
>the situations (physical, mental, social, etc. ) of the people who benefit
>from meals on wheels. I hope for our seniors sake that this can get
>resolved soon. Linda Pike is a real go-getter and if anyone can find a
>workable solution, she can.
>
>
>
> I agree with you, Tom, except for the part where you express surprise
>that this story has not been covered by our local papers. That's the one
>piece of this whole ordeal that doesn't surprise me at all. The Daily News
>has fallen to bits. While Ed Iverson piddles away all the editorial board's
>credibility on the Op-Ed page, the Daily News staff miss story after story
>after story. And what they do cover they generally screw up. "WalMart Given
>Yellow Light By Moscow P & Z?" Was the DN reporter attending the same P & Z
>meeting that everyone else attended? I don't think so; I think their
>reporter was (once again) in a parallel universe. You know, that universe
>in which Tom Henderson of the Lewiston Tribune bemoans the fact that when
>George Bush breaks the law, Congress changes the law to make Bush's actions
>retroactively legal. Meanwhile, Henderson's wife, Virginia, argues on
>behalf of the Daily New that when Doug Wilson defies city zoning ordinance
>not once, not twice, but three times, it is both wise and reasonable for
>the city to set fire to its comprehensive plan in order to rewrite the
>zoning laws to suit him. Fascinatin', ain't it?
>
> Joan Opyr/Auntie Establishment
> www.joanopyr.com
>
> PS: I fear that while Doug screams persecution, what he actually gets is
>special treatment. Say, do you think their might be a connection? If I
>flash my ULC Minister's card around, will the city let me run a meth lab in
>my chicken house? It sure would help me pay the mortgage and, um, meth is
>part of my religious observance. Yeah, that's the ticket! Yeah! And
>marijuana, too. I need a greenhouse and some grow lamps. Anyone care to
>make a Church of Auntie Establishment tax-fraud-deductible "love gift?" Or
>perhaps buy me a new truck? You can do that in my church just as easily as
>in Doug's -- and the truck doesn't have to be new. In fact, it doesn't have
>to be a truck. I'm still plumping for that 1968 Mustang Fastback, folks!
>
>
>
>------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
> _____________________________________________________
> List services made available by First Step Internet,
> serving the communities of the Palouse since 1994.
> http://www.fsr.net
> mailto:Vision2020 at moscow.com
> /////////////////////////////////////////////////////
>
>
> >_____________________________________________________
> > List services made available by First Step Internet,
> > serving the communities of the Palouse since 1994.
> > http://www.fsr.net
> > mailto:Vision2020 at moscow.com
> >¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
>
>
>
>
>
>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
>This is SO MISLEADING. This has NOTHING to do with MEALS ON WHEELS. This
>is a PRIVATE little inside joke with Joan.
>
>The only reason I opened this was because I thought it was some new info on
>the Meals on Wheels dilemma. . . . THAT I am interested in. But NO, it's
>just you being yourself.
>
>Where's my DELETE button. . . . .
>
>Ellen Roskovich
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> From: "Art Deco" <deco at moscow.com>
> To: "Vision 2020" <vision2020 at moscow.com>
> Subject: Re: [Vision2020] meals on wheels
> Date: Sat, 18 Mar 2006 08:17:32 -0800
>
>
> Joan,
>
> You make several interesting points about the Wilson & Family's Cult &
>Cash Machine. However, the reference to the gift of a truck by cult
>members to the Cultmaster is a very telling one. It shows how unchristian
>the organization and its starry-eyed flock is and how far they have
>hypocritically wandered from the teachings of Christ in whom they allege to
>believe.
>
> What should be the object of a Christian's charity according to the
>Gospels of Christ? The poor and the sick!
>
> But don't just take the word of a nonbeliever for it. Below, with
>emphasis added, is a timely article by a religious professional from the
>USAToday of March 12, 2006 discussing this same subject, albeit in a wider
>context, and much more eloquently than I can.
>
> Read it and draw your own conclusions not only about the Wilson &
>Family's Cult & Cash Machine but about some other area religious
>organizations. The subject of this thread and the issue it deals with is a
>perfect opportunity for Christians and so-called Christian organizations to
>demonstrate their commitment to the major teachings of the Gospels.
>
> Cheers,
>
>
> Art Deco (Wayne A. Fox)
> deco at moscow.com
>
> _______________________________________________
> Posted 3/12/2006 8:27 PM USAToday
>
> Not heard from the pulpit
> By Tom Ehrich
>
> Preachers and Sunday school teachers are pulling their punches these
>days regarding morality. Our nation needs ethical and religious instruction
>in the basics: honesty, fidelity, humility, sharing wealth, sharing power
>and sacrifice. Yet those are the last topics one is likely to hear in
>churches.
> Instead, for more than a decade, preachers have been grandstanding about
>such secondary issues as sexuality, Christmas greetings and
>institution-building.
>
> Consider the day in 2004 when former Enron Corp. chief Ken Lay appeared
>in federal court to answer an 11-count indictment for fraud, conspiracy and
>false statements. (Lay is on trial in Houston.) On the way to court, he
>stopped by Houston's prominent First United Methodist Church to pray. His
>pastor accompanied him when he turned himself in to authorities.
>
> Good gestures, to be sure, but how had Lay, a regular worshiper and lay
>leader, gotten so ethically challenged? Some ethical guidance clearly had
>gone unheard or unspoken. His church encourages "disciplines of faithful
>living," but current Sunday classes sound the bell for self-improvement,
>not sacrificial giving or courageous honesty in a world growing accustomed
>to deceit.
>
> When WorldCom chief Bernard Ebbers began to feel the heat of scandal, he
>stood before his friends at Easthaven Baptist Church, in Brookhaven, Miss.,
>and declared, "I just want you to know you aren't going to church with a
>crook." A federal jury disagreed and convicted him of fraud. How could a
>dedicated Sunday school teacher have gotten so off track? His church's
>mission statement is about the institution's growth potential, not about
>living decent lives.
>
> Attending church surely doesn't make one immune to ungodly deeds? we are
>all sinners, after all? but churchgoers should be able to get guidance on
>how to lead a responsible life, not reminders of church politics, from the
>pulpit.
>
> Jesus devoted roughly two-thirds of his teachings to our need to give
>away wealth and to value humility and servanthood more than power. Paul
>condemned "love of money." Hebrew prophets spoke forcefully against greed,
>bribery and injustice. The Law of Moses is concerned with basic ethics?
>respect for persons and property, truth-telling, generosity and mercy.
>
> Yet, in the typical congregation, it is safer to preach about someone
>else's sexual behavior than about wise and faithful use of money, or on
>economic dislocation, corporate ethics or widening gaps in the distribution
>of wealth. That's my conclusion based on a survey of several dozen websites
>and posted sermons, as well as my experience both as a preacher and
>listener.
>
> One winning formula goes after themes that are minor in Scripture but
>big in the culture wars.
>
> Consider Tom DeLay, often identified as a born-again Christian, whose
>indictment for money laundering forced him to resign as Republican leader
>in the House of Representatives. A recent sermon series at a church with
>which he used to be associated condemned homosexuality, abortion and
>gambling. But it ignored Scripture's more basic theme of honesty and mercy
>as hallmarks of truth, and leadership as requiring people "who fear God,
>are trustworthy, and hate dishonest gain."
>
> With rare exceptions, preachers of all stripes seem to avoid what Jesus
>said about wealth and power. Instead, they preach about church politics,
>upcoming festivals and personal improvement.
>
> Despite cascading corporate and political scandals, a widening gap
>between rich and poor and mounting arrogance in public life, I read hardly
>a word about honesty, integrity, mercy, forgiveness, generosity, kindness
>or humility.
>
> I know how dangerous it is to venture into the nuts and bolts of
>Christian ethics. People will endure sermons about esoterica such as stem
>cell research or same-sex marriage, but they'll squirm when talk turns to
>personal priorities, time spent away from family, wealth accumulation,
>casual adultery or truth-telling. It is safer to lambaste gays than to tout
>Jesus' model of embracing diversity. It is more profitable to back one
>political party than to call all leaders to account for their behavior. A
>dull preacher will be tolerated; an intrusive one will be fired.
>
> Our nation needs better from us. We don't need extremist politics
>masquerading as Christian morality. We need solid and consistent
>instruction in the basics of godly living. We can't hold churches
>accountable for what parishioners refuse to hear. But we can hold them
>accountable for what they shrink from saying.
>
> Tom Ehrich is an Episcopal pastor, author, teacher and writer in Durham,
>N.C.
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Joan Opyr
> To: Tom Ivie
> Cc: Vision2020 Moscow
> Sent: Friday, March 17, 2006 4:36 PM
> Subject: Re: [Vision2020] meals on wheels
>
>
> On 17 Mar 2006, at 16:10, Tom Ivie wrote:
>
>
> This really sounds like a silent tragedy. I am surprised the papers
>haven't done anything with this story. I don't think most people realize
>the situations (physical, mental, social, etc. ) of the people who benefit
>from meals on wheels. I hope for our seniors sake that this can get
>resolved soon. Linda Pike is a real go-getter and if anyone can find a
>workable solution, she can.
>
>
>
> I agree with you, Tom, except for the part where you express surprise
>that this story has not been covered by our local papers. That's the one
>piece of this whole ordeal that doesn't surprise me at all. The Daily News
>has fallen to bits. While Ed Iverson piddles away all the editorial board's
>credibility on the Op-Ed page, the Daily News staff miss story after story
>after story. And what they do cover they generally screw up. "WalMart Given
>Yellow Light By Moscow P & Z?" Was the DN reporter attending the same P & Z
>meeting that everyone else attended? I don't think so; I think their
>reporter was (once again) in a parallel universe. You know, that universe
>in which Tom Henderson of the Lewiston Tribune bemoans the fact that when
>George Bush breaks the law, Congress changes the law to make Bush's actions
>retroactively legal. Meanwhile, Henderson's wife, Virginia, argues on
>behalf of the Daily New that when Doug Wilson defies city zoning ordinance
>not once, not twice, but three times, it is both wise and reasonable for
>the city to set fire to its comprehensive plan in order to rewrite the
>zoning laws to suit him. Fascinatin', ain't it?
>
> Joan Opyr/Auntie Establishment
> www.joanopyr.com
>
> PS: I fear that while Doug screams persecution, what he actually gets is
>special treatment. Say, do you think their might be a connection? If I
>flash my ULC Minister's card around, will the city let me run a meth lab in
>my chicken house? It sure would help me pay the mortgage and, um, meth is
>part of my religious observance. Yeah, that's the ticket! Yeah! And
>marijuana, too. I need a greenhouse and some grow lamps. Anyone care to
>make a Church of Auntie Establishment tax-fraud-deductible "love gift?" Or
>perhaps buy me a new truck? You can do that in my church just as easily as
>in Doug's -- and the truck doesn't have to be new. In fact, it doesn't have
>to be a truck. I'm still plumping for that 1968 Mustang Fastback, folks!
>
>
>
>------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
> _____________________________________________________
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> http://www.fsr.net
> mailto:Vision2020 at moscow.com
> /////////////////////////////////////////////////////
>
>
> >_____________________________________________________
> > List services made available by First Step Internet,
> > serving the communities of the Palouse since 1994.
> > http://www.fsr.net
> > mailto:Vision2020 at moscow.com
> >¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
>
>
>_____________________________________________________
> List services made available by First Step Internet,
> serving the communities of the Palouse since 1994.
> http://www.fsr.net
> mailto:Vision2020 at moscow.com
>¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
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