The bible teaches 1- pay your taxes and 2- STFU and do what the king and the church say.

It's the perfect religion for a ruler and his holy henchmen to push.

(March 9, 2013 at 11:59 am)Minimalist Wrote: The bible teaches 1- pay your taxes and 2- STFU and do what the king and the church say.

It's the perfect religion for a ruler and his holy henchmen to push.

Not quite as good as atheism, which says do whatever you want, as long as you can keep the people happy or are powerful enough to suppress dissenting forces. Atheism is the politicians dream, whether they actually profess it or not (not many that do).

(March 9, 2013 at 1:06 pm)jstrodel Wrote:

(March 9, 2013 at 11:59 am)Minimalist Wrote: The bible teaches 1- pay your taxes and 2- STFU and do what the king and the church say.

It's the perfect religion for a ruler and his holy henchmen to push.

Not quite as good as atheism, which says do whatever you want, as long as you can keep the people happy or are powerful enough to suppress dissenting forces. Atheism is the politicians dream, whether they actually profess it or not (not many that do).

Umm... no, all it says is that there's no real reason to believe in God.

(March 9, 2013 at 3:20 am)jstrodel Wrote:

Quote:And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.
(Acts 2:44-45 ESV)

There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.
(Acts 4:34-37 ESV)

The Bible does not teach that there should be a centralized state that redistributes wealth and takes control of property (although it does talk about redistribution of wealth in the Old Testament). It is more like a hostility to greed and materialism and an acceptance of love and charity and a suspicion of self interested values, although I think Christianity and capitalism can exist together.

It does not condemn it either, like it does not condemn slavery once. Indeed the New Testament considers people being slaves to Jesus to be the ideal that everybody should aspire to, which I find repulsive. Friedrich Nietzsche was right about Christianity having a slave morality.

Anyway the capitalist system needs a certain level of greed and materialism to keep going, hence I believe greed and materialism (the desire to improve one's financial and material well being) is beneficial to an extent. The New Testament I am afraid opposes even that level of greed and materialism.

I had a mixed opinion of Chavez politically. His style was very different to what I am used to, but hey - a character is a good thing!

Ultimately, I liked/admired his great character and resolution, as well as his clear love of Venezuela and its people. I also liked how he wasnt afraid to tell the Americans what he thought of them lol.

Quote:Hugo Chavez died 'in the bosom of the Church

Caracas, Venezuela, Mar 6, 2013 / 12:01 pm (CNA).- A source in Venezuela has revealed to CNA that President Hugo Chavez died “in bosom of the Church” and received spiritual direction and the sacraments in his last days.

In announcing Chavez’s death to the nation on March 5, Vice President Nicolas Maduro said the Venezuelan leader died “clinging to Christ.” The source in Venezuela told CNA that during the last weeks of his life, Chavez requested spiritual direction and asked to receive the sacraments.

Quote:Chavez occasionally took part in the religious services of distinct denominations, but he surprised the press in April 2012 when he showed up at a Catholic church in his hometown of Barinas to attend Holy Week services. He wore a rosary around his neck and prayed for strength to fight his illness. Last July, Chavez made public his request to meet with the Catholic bishops

http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/h...daily+news

RIP Hugo.

And may your family and the people of Venezuela remember you with love and fondness, till you meet again.

Some people may call his actions, late in life, cowardice or fear - but a lot of people need something really serious to happen, before they can genuinely focus and "think about their soul".