Quote Originally Posted by scottbrochill
I guess living in Northern Florida might be a little bit different then a lot of places as far as religion goes, you see in the south east we have a ridiculous amount of Baptists.They have pretty much taken over downtown in Jacksonville, the Baptist church mostly owns section of city blocks. It's out of control how they could spend millions and millions basically keeping Jacksonville from becoming a more urban city, but as long as the Baptists own downtown, it's not going to happen.Another topic, it's wierd, it's like every family starts out going to church and everyone seems to just fizzle out of it, when i was young i went to church and bible study every week, played in the youth band, but i never seemed to really feel passionate about any of it. I have a lot of friends that kind of did the same thing, it seem like everypne just goes because thats what they are told to do, especially in a country thats been ran by republicans recently, it's what a good god loving american would do right? Screw that, it seems like most people with a ollege education these days are starting to think for themselves and realize a lot of religion is just another business oppurtunity sucking everything good from religion out. I mean granted christianity teaches good morals, do't cheat, don't hurt people, share, things like that, i agree be a good human being feels good and everyone should be kind to one another, but i shouldn't have to drop, what is it 10% of my income to the church? FUCK THAT, they don't need another multimillion dollar arena or so that the hypocritical pastor can have a 500 thousand dollar house right behind it. This has turned into a rant, and i am not sure if it will even make sense to anyone
Its a free country. If there are enough baptists in Jacksonville to build a mega-church or whatever, then that's their right. Freedom of religion is what this country was founded on. Its important. Move away if you hate it that much.

Or do what I do... go and try to change them to be more like Christ. I go to a baptist church, and when I grow close to people I'll let them know I drink, smoke weed, whatever... but I'll also go to bible studies, etc. The way I see it, I can change the "fundamentalist Christians" in this country for the better one at a time. Its slow and you have to be careful, but its possible.

Also, I don't think republicans being in power made more people go to church. Bill Clinton was officially (or is officially) a Baptist, as are very many democrats.

As far as the "10%" giving rule, that is from the Old Testament. Look it up... the New Testament says to give as you feel led in your heart (2 Corinthians 9:7), but to just make sure and do it regularly (probably so whoever depends on your giving can have it be consistent). A lot of the problem with many Baptists is that they're stuck on traditions and even some traditions from the Old Testament! If you do go to church (for the morals, because you feel led by God to go, whatever) don't feel bad about giving less then 10%. And also, you can specify what ministry you want to give to in a lot of churches. So if you don't feel they need another huge building, then specify that you want your money to go to the "feed the hungry" program (if their denomitation has one) or fuck it, give 2% to the building maintenance fund and the rest of what you've decided to give to a charity of your choice.
jsn9333 Reviewed by jsn9333 on . Bible Belt I guess living in Northern Florida might be a little bit different then a lot of places as far as religion goes, you see in the south east we have a ridiculous amount of Baptists.They have pretty much taken over downtown in Jacksonville, the Baptist church mostly owns section of city blocks. It's out of control how they could spend millions and millions basically keeping Jacksonville from becoming a more urban city, but as long as the Baptists own downtown, it's not going to happen.Another Rating: 5