So I went to school with this kid back home. Now he does pretty good for himself. He drives an imported car, a beautiful house, plays golf at least 3 times a week, has a cleaning lady take care of his home and laundry and wines and dines in the most expensive restaurants in town. So I asked: What in the world do you do for a living? He tells me, God gave me all this. I opened open a house (Church) to spread his word and now I live the life he intended us to live. I told him, no he didnt , you are a crook and live out of the charity of the poor people that attend your church. Today - He owns 2 churches and he is planning to open a third one. Like him I have learned that most churches are tax free and the people that open them (PASTORS) are quite the interpeneurs. They say they do a lot of charity, but most of the charity is done by donations of companies or the time of the members. All the tax free monies go to sustain their lavish lifestyles. What are you thoughts? (BTW - I dont step foot in a church and I am amazed of the idiots that fall for it)And please dont tell me not all churches are like that. Tell me how you KNOW they are not like that. Its all valid to say that the vatican is recognized as the richest institution in the planet.

well simply put not all churches are like that, i know you didn't want to hear it, but its true, there ar many run down and not very rich churches that are on the verge of going under.i would agree though that many of the pastors that live the way the guy you describe does is a crook. the Jesus spoke out a lot about giving all you have to the poor, the people that preach the word of jesus should be held the most responsible for acting like it.

Mines not like that, My pastor doesnt get paid and He works another job, we manage by all putting in. Tithes are a personal choice (between you and God)and it isnt forced on us, nor is anyone looked down on if they don't.