>

that's a terrible example because fires can spread. also, even though the church itself doesn't pay taxes, the people inside don't deserve to burn alive because of it. i agree that MOST services should be taken away, but not the fucking fire department
Sending thoughts & prayers 🙏🏼 >


14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 
15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 
17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead (James 2) >

I’ve noticed that reading James makes a lot of “Christians” real uncomfortable. >

What do you mean? >

Many of the churches formed by the Protestant reformation affirm that believers are made right in God’s eyes solely through profession of faith, and not through good works. In these reformed ideologies, good works are seen as evidence of good faith, and not as a requirement for salvation. 
This is in stark contrast to what is written in James, and most of the reformists I know just kind of ignore James and try not to make eye contact when people bring it up. >

I see, thanks for the breakdown. I grew up Southern Baptist, so I know a small town full of hypocrites. It’s one of the reasons I left the church in the early aughts. I occasionally return to services when I’m in town, but I spend the majority of the time thumbing through the Bible out of nostalgic curiosity. I’ll have to re-read through James sometime. I spent this past Christmas service thumbing around Genesis 19 (thanks, Reddit!) >

Same same same. >

Only if Jesus gave us clear guidance on how to behave towards poor and homeless people… I suppose we’ll never know. >

Jesus was a filthy socialist 
~ godly republicans >

It's all about the trickle down faith... >

"It’s beyond frustrating because it’s impacting our ability to come to church to worship."
I can only imagine Jesus' indignation if he had to ignore and step over homeless people on his way to temple.
If only there was a multi-billion dollar non-profit organization that could help with this problem. >

*If only there was a multi-billion dollar, untaxable organization that could help with this problem >

If only they had giant buildings that are temperature controlled and unused 6 days a week. >

I mean, to be fair, the church I used to attend when I lived with my parents acted as a day care 5 days a week during the day, boys/girls clubs in the evenings, youth groups, young adults groups, worship team practices, weekly dinners for the local elderly. Don't think there was a day or night it wasn't in use. >

and the megachurch in Texas refused entry during a hurricane because they just had new carpet installed.  \~TBF >

I’d use church lightly on that one. Oldstein is the pastor. Not exactly concerned with the poor that one. >

Are any of the rest? (Rhetorical) >

Like many things, the smaller and more local it is, the better a church tends to be. >

Ehhhh, as a product of a small, rural Texas upbringing I can say “it depends”. Plenty of small, local churches are deep wells of racism and hatred that also hand out groceries to the community now and again. >

…and then gossip about the people who had to use the services… >

22 And Jesus visited the temple, and He looked upon the lepers and the poor and the widows who were there
23 Jesus said, "That is gross. I do not want to see those people. I am not going to the temple today until these people are gone from my sight, from my mind and from my heart."
2 Misanthropes >

As a misanthrope I feel insulted. >

Why should the city help a church…it’s not like the church pays any taxes. >

That's actually really good point.  If they don't pay taxes, why should the city provide them any services.  Like if a church catches fire, why waste fire department resources putting it out?