Sorry GD, I scrolled so fast that I thought they were joined. My mistake.

I'd still like to hear the answer to my question though.

I assume that the average Christian isn't going to accept the premise of the question.

But, if we're going to accept the accuracy of the New Testament, we should accept the accuracy of the Old Testament, which says,

"For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land." Deuteronomy 15:11.

I didn't take what GD said as anything of the sort, so I'm glad he said that wasn't what he meant.

Self proclaimed experts? Why so harsh? I don't believe either Jazzman or I said "the rest of you are morons compared to our vast scriptural and theological knowedge". Sheesh. Get over yourself.

Strangler, look at the story of the rich young ruler. I think Jesus was preaching the same sort of things all over. For those who don't know, he told the rich young ruler to sell all he had, give the proceeds to the poor, and follow him. The purpose of that would seem to have been to show the ruler that his heart wasn't really in it (because the guy wasn't willing to do that). Jesus didn't tell everyone that, though, granted, because to some wealth isn't the most important thing (and there is nothing wrong with wealth, only if it is your top priority). Jesus usually spoke to people exactly what they needed to hear.

If saying what I've said seems to say that I am some sort of "self proclaimed expert", I apologize. I would not dare to call anyone here who offers an opinion on something a "self proclaimed expert", I would only figure they are offering their opinions as is done in pretty much every thread on this board.

In terms of accepting the premise of the question, I'll gladly do so. Something tells me though some form of long treatise on apologetics or theology isn't what anyone wants to read.

And I agree with you - Jesus was ALL about taking care of the poor and needy. Absolutely. However, it wasn't about people being forced to do so, it was about people doing it from their heart (I won't go into Old Testament law). Anyone can be forced to do something in a compulsory fashion. The true judgement of the charity of anyone is what they give that they don't have to.

Really?

Never said I was, or even loosely implied so. But if making false accusations and putting words in people's mouths makes you feel all warm and fuzzy up there in that ivory tower of superiority you've built for yourself, then be my guest. You clearly need something to comfort yourself with in your sad, bitter loneliness...

It's just her "thing." She reacts all hysterically and lashes out in bitterness and unsupported resentment every time I post even a single word. She needs help. :(

Nail. Head. Hit.

WTFCWJS.

WWJDFAKB?

Wtf, Jazzman?


Not cool, man.

If you were to log in to my profile and look at the lame, stalkerish comments she's left me, you'd know exactly Wtf, and why. Didn't want to publicly call her out, but it was overdue. Ball's in her court, now.

This thread will be parking-lot bound very shortly.