Points are shared on government, religious liberty, and the price believers must pay to have a presence as a community of faith. The work of any government is the making and keeping of agreements (we say, contracts, covenants, treaties). Every legitimate government acknowledges that its population requires the full spectrum of human needs be met, including those that are carnal, emotional, financial, intellectual, psychological, sexual, social, and spiritual. Throughout human history, government as a tool of the World has been used both to support and to suppress religious expression. A necessary goal for every community is the continuation of its own existence; and some tasks unselfishly undertaken now are intended to benefit later generations, and their offspring they will never live to see. In addition to providing money and human resources for things concrete, mundane and pedestrian, there must be a focus upon things that are conceptual, speculative, and unseen. Included are benefits for minorities (e.g., children, ethnic groups, veterans, women) that will not be delivered directly to everyone; normative conditions and services we acknowledge as having benefit, therefore, ought and should be available within the community (e.g., hospitals, libraries, preschool); unmet needs; possibilities; and a controlled process that will carry all into the diverse experiences of life. An angry writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “nepaliasianman”, (Level 3 with 1,667 points, a member since June 03, 2015) posted the following:
Why don't the government demolish all the churches since their not paying taxes?
If churches are not a bussiness than don't donate your money to Preachers and Pastors?
If you don't large amount of money to these people and make them rich than it is a bussiness organisation and should immediately start paying taxes or fined. If not demolish the damn Church?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. (Acts 4: 32-35, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Separation of Church and State (07/04/2014); On Being Good Stewards (12/17/2013); Traditional Marriage? (12/18/2013); Sacrificial Relationship? (10/23/2013); Relationship by Unselfish Giving?(10/24/2013); A Spirit Church? (04/04/2013); My Brother’s Keeper (04/05/2013); Attending Church? (11/12/2012); Attending Church? (11/13/2012)
“nepaliasianman”, you have a friend in high places who is willing to tell you that, those who are angry against the church usually do not have sacred knowledge that comes from divinity, and are strangers to the true nature and work of believers. Struggling with the hostile view that comes from such sources as academics, complainers, disbelievers, gossips, neighbors, and public media, the church is taken to be an excuse, or explanation (we say, scapegoat) for serious failures, losses, and problems within a community. Seen “up close, and personal,” the day-to-day life within the church is seen to operate strictly upon the basis of loving acceptance, godliness, sacrifice, and suffering. Please consider the following:
(1.) The shared commitment to permanently live together as a sovereign collective to be known as a commonwealth, municipality, state or nation is one to combine and equitably distribute goods, merchandise, real property, and other resources to ensure communication, exchange, growth, health, prosperity, security, and survival.
(2.) The many goals expressed by government as the establishment of personal freedom also correctly include allowing and encouraging the full development, maturation and participation of all its citizens. Thus, included are provisions for individual expressions of conscience, faith, “peace of mind,” and spiritual development (we say, religious liberty).
(3.) Funding of operations for churches and their programs that address the quality of life as they serve the community include the full range of expenses seen with every institution within the state. Money must be privately raised for such recurring expenses as mortgages, rents, insurance, property taxes, cooling/heating, indoor plumbing, lights, sanitation, and repairs to say nothing of food, clothing, water, rectory, books, informational handouts (we say, programs), instruments, sheet music, advertising, or media broadcasts. As with many businesses, the church and its members also come under the attack of deceivers, false brethren, liars, plunderers, robbers, thieves, thugs, and vandals.
There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and patiently taken into account. (For example, (4.) The service provided by religious communities often are called intangibles, for they pertain to immeasurable and irreplaceable aspects of a community’s life and value. Included are its reputation (we say, name, track record) for compassion, discipline, farsightedness, honor, integrity, intelligence, maturity, stability, soundness, strength, and trustworthiness.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith, sacred knowledge, and spiritual maturity.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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