Damned Catholics

[Minimalist]

Getting close to the jackpot!

http://apnews.excite.com/article/2010121...M0280.html

VATICAN CITY (AP) - This is no ordinary bank: The ATMs are in Latin. Priests use a private entrance. A life-size portrait of Pope Benedict XVI hangs on the wall.

Nevertheless, the Institute for Religious Works is a bank, and it's under harsh new scrutiny in a case involving money-laundering allegations that led police to seize euro23 million ($30 million) in Vatican assets in September. Critics say the case shows that the "Vatican Bank" has never shed its penchant for secrecy and scandal.

[Justtristo]

Getting close to the jackpot!

http://apnews.excite.com/article/2010121...M0280.html

VATICAN CITY (AP) - This is no ordinary bank: The ATMs are in Latin. Priests use a private entrance. A life-size portrait of Pope Benedict XVI hangs on the wall.

Nevertheless, the Institute for Religious Works is a bank, and it's under harsh new scrutiny in a case involving money-laundering allegations that led police to seize euro23 million ($30 million) in Vatican assets in September. Critics say the case shows that the "Vatican Bank" has never shed its penchant for secrecy and scandal.

The Holy Roman Catholic church has been the biggest money making organisations in the history of the world, even now I bet if it was a corporation it would be far the biggest. If it were taxed as such, imagine the revenues governments would get

[LWP17]

I have always thought of the Catholic Church to be laughable. Namely, the fact that the pope is supposed to be the voice of god.

[Oldandeasilyconfused]

I have always thought of the Catholic Church to be laughable. Namely, the fact that the pope is supposed to be the voice of god.

No much more than any other priest throughout history,of any religion,although perhaps a bit more transparently full of it than most.

The notion that people need a special elite to mediate with the (invented) gods for them is perhaps the oldest and biggest confidence trick ever perpetrated on the human race.

[LWP17]

Yes and it gives them more power than ever as time goes by because of all of their followers.

[Anomalocaris]

I have always thought of the Catholic Church to be laughable. Namely, the fact that the pope is supposed to be the voice of god.

Then what do you say about pentecostals who believe anyone can become the voice of god by the simple expedient of screaming incoherently and twitching as if stricken with epilepsy?

[theVOID]

It fits perfectly with my theory that God is schizophrenic...

[Minimalist]

I have always thought of the Catholic Church to be laughable. Namely, the fact that the pope is supposed to be the voice of god.

Then what do you say about pentecostals who believe anyone can become the voice of god by the simple expedient of screaming incoherently and twitching as if stricken with epilepsy?

They can become broadcasters for FOX in the same manner.

[theVOID]

Absolutely Min

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3J_QLtYq...re=related

[Thor]

The Holy Roman Catholic church has been the biggest money making organisations in the history of the world, even now I bet if it was a corporation it would be far the biggest. If it were taxed as such, imagine the revenues governments would get

Why the hell are churches exempt from paying taxes anyway? Because they're a "charitable organization"?

If they want to use that tactic, then they should have to submit annual 1099 forms to the IRS. They should have to allow the government auditors to examine their books (like any other nonprofit!). Anyone think a church wants the government examining their books? Then they shouldn't be granted tax exempt status!