Let's Discuss Religion (was Found today in the local Goodwill)

[Texasrocker]

The prob with my local Goodwill & Christians in Action stores is they mark-up prices too high. For example, the same vintage Philco item here locally would have a $99. price tag on it ,and added into the "antiques section" of the store. They dont "haggle" on price either! Try to donate something nice to either agency, they are very "picky", and if you live outside the city-limits, they wont even pickup nice used items for free. Our local Christians in Actions personnel are known by all local citizens here in our small city as "azzholes in action"!!

[Michael Dennis]

A lot of "Christians" in name aren't Christian at all.

Mike

[Ron Ramirez]

Mikhail7 Wrote:A lot of "Christians" in name aren't Christian at all.

Sad but true...and this is such a shame. It is the actions of these that give the rest of us who are Christian, such as myself, a bad name. No wonder we have become the objects of scorn, ridicule and even hatred by many in society, the media, etc.

I must confess that these sort of things (i.e. hypocrisy) are the main reason I no longer attend church, although I still have my faith.

[Michael Dennis]

I'm glad to hear you still have your faith, Ron. Christians are now the weirdos, as you say, looked upon with scorn and derision. Many bad deeds were performed in the name of Christianity; the crusades for example. But we know where our true strength comes from. And true Christians are stronger still when we fellowship with eachother. Sadly, even in the church there is much hypocracy, false doctrine and falling away from faith. And it really is hard these days to find a good church because apostacy and false teachings are not only a waste of time they are truly dangerous. I apologize if this has become too religious but I am compelled to speak out about a faith I find myself defending more each day. And even the best Christians are only human. Sometimes we make mistakes, we fall, but He is there to help us back up. I'm sure if God had a radio it would be a Philco. Good, honest, straightforward, well-made and reliable.

[Ron Ramirez]

Mikhail7 Wrote:I apologize if this has become too religious...

No apologies needed, my friend. After all, this isn't the Alternative Radio Forum.

[Michael Dennis]

Thank God for that! That place is rather stuffy in that regard!

[codefox1]

Not sure anyone else wants to add to your last comment, but, after reading it twice, I thought I would.

I am more optimisic, hoping to earn the lesser title of jJunior Diagnoteces of the Ancient Electrics of the lesser order when I leave this earth. After eons in that middle place, I hope to be appointed to a decent workbench in the sky with endless boxes and crates of relics from earthlings, and an endless supply of NOS parts.

Come judgement day, I wasn't all that bad. I don't go to services regularly either, but I do make a contribution when I can.

Funny thing, clergy are somewhat like lawyers to many people, "don't have much use for 'em untili you need one."

[Doug Houston]

I don't want to turn a good thread into a discussion on individuals' religious preferences. There is so much bloomin' hypocracy in people and so much confusion dealt out by the clergy that it's hard to determine just whom to go with.

I've seen some of the material that pastors of churches receive. They have their sermons laid out for them, as I understand it. From that, I'm skeptical about their sincerity. Remember that a church is necessarily a business, and it needs money (the root of all evil) to function, and we can have no issue with that. For these reasons, I adhere to Christianity, but don't belong to a church.

I have a VHS tape that I've had for several years. It traces the story of the Illuminati, which is the secret society that literally rules the world. It came from a minister, David Smith, of Waxahatchie, Texas. I copied it onto a DVD, and gave a few copies to various members of the clergy. I'm willing to bet that none of them ever watched it. Granted, it runs for nearly 3 hours, but it's one of those things that you can't stop watching, once you start. One copy went to a person I know in the vintage car hobby, and who had once had a congregation. He (supposedly) did watch it. I asked him what impressions he got from it. Well, he agreed with some of it, but that were parts that he didn't. For Pete's sake, it's documented history!

But, I view this as part of the reason that Christianity has no strength, because of its lack of unity. The protestant church has many denominations, none of which see everything eye to eye. They all pull in the same (very) general direction, but all pull at a different angle. None agree completely on any one issue, because they each have diverging doctrines. Their lack of unity is the Achilles' heel that makes the whole Christian faith vulnerable to attack.

Viewing the Roman Catholic church, it derives its awesome power from the fact that its every one of its churches, worldwide, teaches the identical material, with no disagreements between any of their clergymen. That's the way any orgaanization has strength, and while I'm not a member of that church, I am compelled to admire its cohesiveness.

Now, so much for my convictions! Gary: look back at one of my posts about the function of this player. remember that i said (or at least alluded) to the fact, that Philco didn't use an antenna wire on these players. They coupled the output oif the 6A7 into the line, as a "carrier current" transmission. A lot of the other companies' wireless players did use an antenna line, either dropped to the floor, or as a third condustor in the line cord. The Philco players played very nicely throughout the house, because the wiring in the house carried the signal. Further, an antenna wire on the output of the oscillator will swing its frequency when a person comes near to it. It literally detunes the oscillator.

[Texasrocker]

Since this thread has turned directions into Religion, I have a true story to share. Although I am a Christian, and believe in a Higher Power than any of us, Churches DO take advantage of their "clients" and neighbors! About 9 yrs ago, a Church organization bought the property (lots)directly next door to me ( out of the City limits), and moved-in by large house-movers truck, a nice prebuilt used building and had it set on blocks.They spent money adding cement sidewalks,entry ramps, electric service, central ac/heat unit, etc. Their property had no water wells as all us neighbors have had for yrs. Community water Company is avail at a price, but the Pastor asked if it would be OK for them to hookup to one of my water-well pumps until they could get " on their feet" to be able to afford to have their own water well drilled, cased, & pump equip installed, etc. I made the BIG MISTAKE by allowing to supply them free water from my well near their property line by attaching their pvc pipe to my water supply! Its going on 9 yrs, and they still havent made attempts to get "on their feet" to supply their own water, period!!. I discussed this "water loan only issue" with the Pastor 2 yrs ago , and explained again my attempts to only "loan" them water until they get on their feet financially.
This cr*p has been going on way too long, and puts excess strain on my water well equip & electric bill too boot for over 9 yrs! Its not the "water" , its the "principle" of these so-called nextdoor Christians taking advantage of my generosity that appalls me!
You bet, Churches are a "business" indeed! Many are better than others keeping their "needs" and finances in check, but the "clients-clergy" & in my case "neighbor only" supplies them everything. They did somehow afford to "add" a new Steeple a couple yrs back that was shipped in prebuilt, and the Pastor is driving a recently acquired new Cadillac! Still no attempt for them to get independant on the water issues! Even after I explained everything to the pastor again!
The pastor also told me that he had a previous "run-in" with the owner of the local community Water providers Company before. How "Christian" is that!?? I recently purchased a 1" pvc "stop cap" to finally end my relationship with these nextdoor Pentecostal folks that take advantage until I install the "off" switch!
Guess when they try to flush their toilets, they will then get the message that "free" water no longer exists!?
I really dont think God is going to strike me with lightning after all this? Your thoughts please!

[Doug Houston]

You gotta be a pretty decent guy, Tex. I've had some experiences with freeloaders taking advantage of me, though it wasn't of the magnitude by which you had been victimized.

One day, a guy was referred to me by someone, to have a "dear,dear" friend's AK 55 radio fixed. I did the job for him, and he was all over me in gratitude. The owner of the set was riding on a cloud, and all that garbage[url][/url]. OK, I was happy, 'cause he was. A month or so later, the first party comes over with a big Stewart-Warner tombstone, of about 1934 vintage, belonging to another "dear-dear" friend im Milwaukee (I'm North of Detroit!). He had lugged that thing on an airliner! I re-capped the set for him, and once again, foolishly charged a modest price.....stupidly being "nice". Another few weeks passed, and here he comes again, wanting to buy a 45 RPM record player for some other "dear-dear" friend. She had a lot of records, and had disposed of her player years before. She was the greatest friend his family had ever had......and all that slop. He did a sort of tearful act, telling about it. I said I didn't have anyrhing like that for sale. He asked if I could sell one from my collection. I lightly blew my stack, and told him to find someone who had one for sale, and to quit pestering me.

That jerk must have sent out an all-points notice that he could have radios fixed for peanuts. Those are the kind of schnorers (mooches) that have to be hit on the head with a mallet to make them go away.

[Michael Dennis]

First, guys and gals, (I hope we have some ladies present), let me say that I am new to Christianity. I'm still just a frail human being and I still make a lot of mistakes. I'm not proud of my sometimes unGodly behaviour and hopefully any future mistakes will be minor ones. I'm learning and there's a lot that is front of me. I have as yet very few of the answers, but I know something positive and exciting has happened in my life. Now I used to be as cynical as anyone, but if there is hope for me there is also for everyone. I may be say things that will make some uncomfortable.

For the past 2000 years the church has steadily become more and more worldly. Instead of being the example that Christ instructed it to be it is finding more and more ways to 'profit" from their religious status, (such as the church piping water, Randal). Clearly these "profiteers" have the focus of attention on themselves and on their own material gain, and away from attention on others with their needs, which is where our focus of attention needs to be. Tho I'm still new, and I know that I'll frequently fall and wander from the path, I've found Christianity to be a new life with our sins forgiven. As each of us individually live according to the purpose God has saved us for the world can only get better when we succeed in our service.

It's all too true that hypocrites, (the word means play actor), are people pretending to be what they have no intention of being. There are a lot of churches that have taken their eyes off the word of God as their standard for practice and have placed their eyes on man, wheather it be a pastor or some other influential church leader. As we judge ourselves by others we fail in that we should be measuring ourselves against the Gospel of the Lord Jesus. It's our desire and goal to become more Christ-like daily and everyone is welcome to join us in our quest to be what God has created us to be. We strengthen our faith thru the Word & trust. Fellowship with others is important in that we build up each others strength, but it's important to find the right church because there're many that mislead through unscriptural teaching. We need to "try" the church. What does it say about Jesus? Is this a Bible-believing soul-winning local New Testament church? I believe that part of the reason why so many denominations conflict is that everyone has to get their two cents in with their opinion. We as people like to argue and disagree, with the need to feel important and to be the one with the "right' viewpoint.

The whole Christian life has to have a beginning but once it's begun we're in God's capable hands. The process begins when we take God at his Word and accept His gift of eternal life. And another thing Christians need to learn fast & early is to tell Satan, the father of lies, to SHUT UP!!! He's always there, picking away, driving a wedge between us and our relationship with God and with others. He's always lying, saying you're no better than a grasping, greedy, self-centered animal, that we may as well grab what we can drag out of this world away from others, and that we can't aspire to be a worthy child of God. Remember, you are a creation of God Himself, and He does NOT manufacture junk! Believe it and live like it. Be joyful. Don't lose your shout! I wish I could articulate half as well as I could were I a bit further along in my walk.

Well, for someone new to this I've said a lot of words. Some or much of it may have made some uncomfortable. But if I were to be dragged away by the left-wing secularist politically correct foo foo snookums New World Order fright minions for praying to Jesus in public, then I joy in my persecution! God Bless you, Brothers & Sisters!

Mike

Repentence - A change of mind; a new mind about God.

Conversion - A change of life; new life with God.

Regeneration - A change of nature; new heart for God.

Adoption - A change of family; new relationship toward God.

Sanctification - A change of service; separation unto God.

Glorification - Change of place; new condition of God.

[Arran]

Texasrocker Wrote:The prob with my local Goodwill & Christians in Action stores is they mark-up prices too high. For example, the same vintage Philco item here locally would have a $99. price tag on it ,and added into the "antiques section" of the store. They dont "haggle" on price either! Try to donate something nice to either agency, they are very "picky", and if you live outside the city-limits, they wont even pickup nice used items for free. Our local Christians in Actions personnel are known by all local citizens here in our small city as "azzholes in action"!!

We have a similar situation with the Salvation Army and St Vincent De Paul in this area, it's actually become so bad that they will even inspect items that people drop off on their own dime. As for the stores going into the Antique business they have cut their own throats with the locals, nobody will donate stuff to them without trying to sell it in their own garage sale first, so they very rarely have anything good in the stores anymore. At the same time they have some busybodies that will toss out anything that they deem "offensive", like books (not pornographic either), or beer merchandise, and some of it is brand new!The quality of merchandise at garage sales has improved in direct proportion to the decline in the quality of goods at these two institutions.
One store has a supposed annual Antique and collectible auction, I tried a dozen times to find out when they were holding it but never could. I suspect that the employees have their own private affair where they help themselves, not that it doesn't happen before that.
The interesting part is that there are a few private thrift stores in the area and people donate lots of good stuff to them, but they sell cheap, and don't put up a front about making money for some greater cause. They will also negotiate on anything, the ones working there know their job depends on money coming in from actual sales and that square footage costs money.
Best Regards
Arran

[DCASAZZA]

I too am a christian and have to agree that there are a lot of churches out there where the main thing is no longer the main thing. I am fortunate that I am pluged into a local church that genuinly strives to keep ministry the main thing. We are debt free. We decided to stay in what some folks might call the inner city , instead of moving to the suburbs where many of the other chuches have relocated. We volunteer at comunity events as needed even if it's to pick up trash so the city dosnt have to. We have purchased and laid sod at a local middle school, fixed homes, help our membership, feed the poor and council them, and on and on. I don't say this to blow our own horn, but mearly say this to remind all the real deal is out there and I'm sure every comunity has them. Look, find, participate... If your even a little bit like me you will get much more out of it than what you put into it. Being salt and light can be very rewarding and downright fun even if it's giving out ice-cold water to the crowd as we walked with a float in the Christmas Parade. Yes, I said Christmas.


;-)

[Uffda]

Well said Michail!
Amen.

[Bill Hutchinson]

Just to give the running subject here a little twist, I’m reminded of the hypocrisy of it all from an episode of “Cheers” a few years back.

I don’t recall the exact details of it, but the essence of the story line was this – Woody and his fiancé were having a disagreement on the differences in their respective religions. She was a Methodist from one division, and Woody was a Methodist from another. Between them, these “differences” seemingly couldn’t be overseen, and one of them would have to leave theirs to join the other.

Well, this went on for the majority of the episode and Woody consulted Fraiser on what he should do. Finally, while working at the bar, someone asked him if he’d worked things out with his fiancé.

Woody said, “Yes I did. After talking with Dr. Crane, I decided that I’ll make the switch to her religion.”

“How did you make that decision?”

“Well, Dr. Crane said that if I had any hopes of ever seeing her naked, that’s what I should do.”