[JHBowden]

The Gospels are rarely interpreted for personal gain — that would be too good to be true!

No, the Gospels are interpreted to encourage personal *sacrifice* — that’s why a rich man can’t get into heaven, we should turn the other cheek, ignore our families and follow the Lord, etc. etc. If I’m conceiving Christianity falsely, then Christians believe the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross is an ignoble, wicked thing. But we both know this isn’t the case.

[Anitius Severinus Boethius]

that’s why a rich man can’t get into heaven

Where does it say that?

[skeeter]

If you were familiar with the scriptures you'd know Christ was addressing what is in a man's heart, not his pocket. And that we should consider others before ourselves. Does that offend you?

Nowhere does he imply its a sin to be rich, that we should abandon our families, etc.

And apparently you've missed the point of his sacrifice on our behalf entirely. Thats not unusual - very many have.

[Constitutions Grandchild]

Um..m, I believe that passage does not disparage riches, so long as you have them (not the other way around). I think the passage also refers to those who “trust in riches,” (in other passages (who believe “they can be like God”), as in what we accomplish and acquire is due to our “God-like” ability to create and control.

The reason socialism is so attractive to the world, the reason liberation theology, the reason communism have made so many inroads in society is due to mankind trusting in himself and not the One who set the universe in motion.

That's why a rich man won't be able to buy his way into heaven, he trusted in his wealth — not in the God who gave it to him. Hoarding wealth when good can be done to ease the burdens of others, is also a way of damming up the system of prosperity. We are to be alike a river flowing out to the nations.

[itsahoot]

that’s why a rich man can’t get into heaven

Come on show you knowledge of the Bible, give us a scripture reference on that statement.

Don't bother there isn't one.

[wastoute]

You (like all the "Christian Socialists") are missing the point of Matthew 19. You read the part about "harder for a wealthy man" and take away that only the poor get into heaven. You need to finish the passage. No one, repeat NO ONE, gets into heaven without Him. This passage has almost nothing to do with material possesions. It is about letting ANYTHING keep you out of heaven by coming between Him and you. Of course Socialists like to quote that first bit.

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