Salaries of many Protestant leaders kept under wraps

Bakersfield Californian ^ | Monday, May 29 2006 | MARK BARNA

[billorites]

"Did you ever consider sending him an anonymous gift?"

Yeah, my Dad would sometimes toss a pack of Benson and Hedges into the collection plate on Sunday

but he'd get this blowback that they weren't appreciated because they were menthols.

Dad's response was vulgar.

It became a vicious circle.

[RobbyS]

As John Marshall said in another connection, the power to tax is the power to destroy. Given the malice exhibited against Christianity by the likes of the city of San Francisco, not prudent. The spiritualists among the medieval Franciscans over emphasized the benefit of poverty and ignored the benefit of wealth. Confiscation of that wealth led to domination of the Church by the national monarchies and nobilities. In Protestant countries, the subjugation of the Church was even more profound.

[AlaninSA]

"Getting rich" was not part of the original post. Having a large building centered on the pastor, not the faith was the point.

And, again, can you point out where on St. Peter's the name of the pope is written in two-foot letters?

Where is that sign that says

St Peter's Cathedral
POPE BENEDICT XVI

because I've not seen it.

[Bainbridge]

I can't resist pointing out that the building you are referring to is called "Saint Peter's".
Nothing about Jesus Christ there...

[Bainbridge]

The original post was about the salaries of clergy men. It had nothing to do with buildings and names on the sides.

The comments in post # 104 are entirely inaccurate.

[AlaninSA]

No, the original post referred to the "cult of me" that many Protestant ministers belong to.

That in itself was not entirely fair. I've never seen a Presby, Methodist, Lutheran or Anglican church suffer from the same cult of the individual. It's only been limited to independent Baptist (not SBC, etc.) and "non-denominational" "Bible" churches.

Your comment on the naming of St. Peter's borders on silly. Even the cult of the individual "churches" often have odd, non-designating names like "Garden Fellowship" or "Vineyard."

Catholics, Lutherans, Orthodox, Anglicans, SBC, Presby - you name it - churches honor those who came before to spread the message of Christ by naming churches after them. Do you not get this? If not, that's surprising.

[Bainbridge]

The term " cult of me" was injected in Post # 5. It was the insult that generated all of the insulting rhetoric caused by such denominational attacks.

The remarks about 24 inch letters was also an attempt to offend "separated brethren".

The Christian church has had many leaders lo these 2000 years. In the beginning one sees Paul the Apostle correcting and rebuking those at many different locations ( Corinth, Thessaloniki, etc.) During the early church there were several bishoprics, Antioch, Jerusalem and Rome among them. Christian churches have identified themselves differently since the earliest days. Originally, by place name (as witnessed by the New Testament.) They have also been known by names of other Christians( My remark about St. Peters stands). They also take on appellations commemorating events ( The Transfiguration,the Ascension, etc.) And today, there are some who choose to identify themselves in other ways, many using scriptural identifiers ( Cornerstone, Harvester, for example.) For some reason, the very existence of Christians that do not participate in the Roman Catholic structure causes angst and bitterness and an unseemly hostility in some. The contempt might be better directed at the Evil One, who is plainly visible in the " world", and the battle should be joined from both sides of the Tiber.

[Invincibly Ignorant]

I take it your refuaal to answer is acknowledgement you do expect others to do what you refuse to do. That really is not an effective approach to convincing anyone to change their behavior.

You post it. Show me how much you care a bout something other than whether catholics come out looking good. Which was the original point of my post. I'm not surprised you missed it and tried to change the subject. I'm on to ya.

[Bainbridge]

That's one way to avoid ever dealing with the substance of any one else's claims. Pretend that they are crazy and erratic.

As I have pointed out repeatedly, it was in post # 5 ( for the approval of our RM I am not making a personal reference, at least technically) that the nasty sectarian comments were injected.I have also made what I hope are specific, detailed points regarding your complaints and insults. I am greeted with silliness and evasion. I engage only to make headway with those who are sincerely interested in seeking truth. That is not always the interlocutors, but often rather the "spectators".

[Religion Moderator]

Discuss the issues all you want but do not make it personal!

[bornacatholic]

LOL You really do think it right to expect others to do what you refuse to do.

Well, it is a standard :)

[AlaninSA]

Ah, you're right.

"Independent" Baptist and "non-denom" "pastors" have every right to make millions of dollars, make their church all about them and beg for money on TV.

I'm entirely wrong.

It's clear that they're making a hard decision to live that opulent lifestyle. They are truly saints among us.

[demkicker]

Am I the only one who wants to turn this around and demand knowing the salaries of the obnoxious people in the media like this Mark Barna?

I'd like to know how well they are being enriched and rewarded to write negative articles about our Lord, churches and believers. It might be rather eye opening.

[Invincibly Ignorant]

actually that's not correct. It can only be one of those two. I'm hoping its the former although I expect not.

[Bainbridge]

Christians are called to be salt and light.
They are told to present their case with " gentleness and respect" (1 Peter 3:15) The only thing that is accomplished with malice and sarcasm is a temporary feeling of (self- defeating) satisfaction. The tone and demeanor one chooses is perhaps more important than the actual words.
That being said, I stand by my previous comments, straw men and red herrings notwithstanding.

[bornacatholic]

LMAO I have really enjoyed the exchange. It is rare to witness such a bold affirmation of such a standard. Have a lovely weekend, brother

[Invincibly Ignorant]

LMAO I have really enjoyed the exchange. It is rare to witness such a bold affirmation of such a standard. Have a lovely weekend, brother

When I observe there ought to be some balance I'm not going to provide it for you. You're the guys posting the multiple pity partys. And don't call me your brother its hypocritical.

[bornacatholic]

ROTFLMAO This just gets funnier and funnier. Even if you are not Baptised in Christ, you are still my brother. That is so because we all have God as our Father.

And the thread our exchange initially appeared on was not a pity party. It was a thread devoted to placing before the public the truth about a wonderful Pope. We Christians don't consider facts a pity.

Have a lovely weekend, brother :)