The Jesus Economy

Rushlimbo

I've heard that some people believe that the prosperity of the United States is directly corelated to their belief in Jesus Christ. I'm wondering if anyone has ever broken this down state by state. Do states with the highest Christian church attendance fair better than states with poor church attendance? Are states' prosperity affected negatively if they have a higher than normal Islamic or Budhist worshiping? perhaps it depends on the number of Bibles vs Koran copies that exist within state boundaries (states with more hotel rooms have a definite advantage here). I'm RAPTURED by this theory.

Meatwagon

What a load of the brown stuff!! Just more of the religious mumbo-jumbo to make them feel better about themselves. I bet porn outsells them 10-1;) I do see alot of christian bookstores around, but they are getting squeezed out by the Latte shops too. Maybe it's just ploy to increase sales.

Commy

Rushlimbo wrote:

I've heard that some people believe that the prosperity of the United States is directly corelated to their belief in Jesus Christ. I'm wondering if anyone has ever broken this down state by state. Do states with the highest Christian church attendance fair better than states with poor church attendance? Are states' prosperity affected negatively if they have a higher than normal Islamic or Budhist worshiping? perhaps it depends on the number of Bibles vs Koran copies that exist within state boundaries (states with more hotel rooms have a definite advantage here). I'm RAPTURED by this theory.

well then Jamaica would be the most prosperous area in the world, as it has more churches per capita than anywhere in the world.

hailhailkc

Rushlimbo wrote:

I've heard that some people believe that the prosperity of the United States is directly corelated to their belief in Jesus Christ. I'm wondering if anyone has ever broken this down state by state. Do states with the highest Christian church attendance fair better than states with poor church attendance? Are states' prosperity affected negatively if they have a higher than normal Islamic or Budhist worshiping? perhaps it depends on the number of Bibles vs Koran copies that exist within state boundaries (states with more hotel rooms have a definite advantage here). I'm RAPTURED by this theory.

"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. "

-Matthew 5:11-12

Rushlimbo

hailhailkc wrote:

"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. "

-Matthew 5:11-12

A fine example of using the Bible shield.

BackCircleSpin

Meh, not really. Christianity never promises any sort of earthly riches or anything. Whatever. Jesus is cool, but that doesn't keep people from fucking up.

I don't really enjoy people attacking Christianity, but I don't really care because I believe in freedom of speech. But there are people who might take offense and remember that libel is written slander which is a prosecutable offense. Absurd things happen.

Meatwagon

Rushlimbo wrote:

A fine example of using the Bible shield.

Is that a new superhero?????? Captain America had a shield too.

hailhailkc

Rushlimbo wrote:

A fine example of using the Bible shield.

A fine example of using the smartass shield…yet again.

moeaholic

Rushlimbo wrote:

A fine example of using the Bible shield.

you're an asshole.

Purple Hawk

Rushlimbo wrote:

I've heard that some people believe that the prosperity of the United States is directly corelated to their belief in Jesus Christ.

Who?

LeilaMoonTurtle

no no
I think it is more like

Let me tell you how it will be;
There's one for you, nineteen for me.
'Cause I’m the taxman,
Yeah, I’m the taxman.

Should five per cent appear too small,
Be thankful I don't take it all.
'Cause I’m the taxman,
Yeah, I’m the taxman.

if you drive a car, car - I’ll tax the street;
if you try to sit, sit - I’ll tax your seat;
if you get too cold, cold - I’ll tax the heat;
if you take a walk, walk - I'll tax your feet.

angelica

hailhailkc wrote:

"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. "

-Matthew 5:11-12

It didn't look to me that people were speaking against support of Jesus, but rather that people were speaking against the human judgments made in the spirit of Christianity. It looks like the OP that you quoted and answered with the above bible verse was challenging your idea that belief in Jesus = prosperity. Considering you said the following, I felt it was a fair challenge:

"All you have to do is look at the nations who believe in God and the Bible, and then compare them to the nations who follow these ideals of Islam, and then compare the two to see who God has allowed to prosper, and who he has allowed to suffer via their faith".

I'm wondering if you can back up such a belief with a bible verse, or something indicating it is a view of Jesus'. At this point, given that Jesus was about having love and understanding for the less fortunate, it seems that your words were you own personal view and not Jesus'. If that is the case, I don't think claiming persecution because of Jesus is fair.

The Jesus I am familiar with had compassion and understanding of the poor and the sick, and due to such understanding was able to heal them. On the other hand, projecting satan onto others instead fuels the problems and does the opposite of healing.

If you have the backing of Jesus' word, I would love to hear it.

miller8966

Rushlimbo wrote:

I've heard that some people believe that the prosperity of the United States is directly corelated to their belief in Jesus Christ. I'm wondering if anyone has ever broken this down state by state. Do states with the highest Christian church attendance fair better than states with poor church attendance? Are states' prosperity affected negatively if they have a higher than normal Islamic or Budhist worshiping? perhaps it depends on the number of Bibles vs Koran copies that exist within state boundaries (states with more hotel rooms have a definite advantage here). I'm RAPTURED by this theory.

Its called the protestant work ethic...this hard work mentality is what lead to building america in the early days.

he Protestant work ethic, also known as the Puritan work ethic, is a biblically based teaching on the necessity of hard work, perfection and the goodness of labor. Protestant preachers preached on the goodness and the necessity of labor and its efficacious effect for humans personally and on Christian society as a whole. Protestant preachers saw this as a salve or a correction for original sin.

The term was first coined by Max Weber who was the “youngest” of the German Historical School. The Protestant work ethic is often credited with helping to define the societies of Northern Europe and other Protestant countries where Protestantism was strong, such as in Scandinavia, Northern Germany, Great Britain and the US. In such countries it is regarded by many observers as one of the cornerstones of national prosperity. It has been said that people in countries with Protestant roots tend to be more materialistic, perfectionist, and that they focussed more on work, compared to people many other countries, such as Spain and Italy, where the people had a more relaxed attitude toward work.

The notion faced some criticism in the twentieth century. The strongest being that it revolved mostly around the culture and history of Europe so did not take into account societies that had never been Christian of any type. Examples often cited are East Asian nations like Japan which have a strong work ethic, but never had more than a small minority of Protestants. Others feel that the recent economic progress of Catholic nations like Ireland makes the term at best of historical use. A counter-argument is that "The Protestant work ethic" refers to its Protestant origin and does not require Protestantism itself. As Ireland was ruled by a Protestant nation, while Japan modeled its modernization on largely Protestant nations like the United States and Germany, they could have received the ethic from Protestants without it accepting any religious underpinning to it.

angelica

miller8966 wrote:

Its called the protestant work ethic...this hard work mentality is what lead to building america in the early days.

he Protestant work ethic, also known as the Puritan work ethic, is a biblically based teaching on the necessity of hard work, perfection and the goodness of labor. Protestant preachers preached on the goodness and the necessity of labor and its efficacious effect for humans personally and on Christian society as a whole. Protestant preachers saw this as a salve or a correction for original sin.

The term was first coined by Max Weber who was the “youngest” of the German Historical School. The Protestant work ethic is often credited with helping to define the societies of Northern Europe and other Protestant countries where Protestantism was strong, such as in Scandinavia, Northern Germany, Great Britain and the US. In such countries it is regarded by many observers as one of the cornerstones of national prosperity. It has been said that people in countries with Protestant roots tend to be more materialistic, perfectionist, and that they focussed more on work, compared to people many other countries, such as Spain and Italy, where the people had a more relaxed attitude toward work.

The notion faced some criticism in the twentieth century. The strongest being that it revolved mostly around the culture and history of Europe so did not take into account societies that had never been Christian of any type. Examples often cited are East Asian nations like Japan which have a strong work ethic, but never had more than a small minority of Protestants. Others feel that the recent economic progress of Catholic nations like Ireland makes the term at best of historical use. A counter-argument is that "The Protestant work ethic" refers to its Protestant origin and does not require Protestantism itself. As Ireland was ruled by a Protestant nation, while Japan modeled its modernization on largely Protestant nations like the United States and Germany, they could have received the ethic from Protestants without it accepting any religious underpinning to it.

You might want to credit wikipedia for that.

This does not take into account the many Godly people who work very hard and yet suffer hardship after hardship. Or the Godly people who are very poor. Or the Godly people who suffer from illnesses.

It is my understanding that God's will is about a power far greater than us. I think to judge God's will shows where we are at, not where God is at.

hailhailkc

angelica wrote:

It didn't look to me that people were speaking against support of Jesus, but rather that people were speaking against the human judgments made in the spirit of Christianity. It looks like the OP that you quoted and answered with the above bible verse was challenging your idea that belief in Jesus = prosperity. Considering you said the following, I felt it was a fair challenge:

"All you have to do is look at the nations who believe in God and the Bible, and then compare them to the nations who follow these ideals of Islam, and then compare the two to see who God has allowed to prosper, and who he has allowed to suffer via their faith".

I'm wondering if you can back up such a belief with a bible verse, or something indicating it is a view of Jesus'. At this point, given that Jesus was about having love and understanding for the less fortunate, it seems that your words were you own personal view and not Jesus'. If that is the case, I don't think claiming persecution because of Jesus is fair.

The Jesus I am familiar with had compassion and understanding of the poor and the sick, and due to such understanding was able to heal them. On the other hand, projecting satan onto others instead fuels the problems and does the opposite of healing.

If you have the backing of Jesus' word, I would love to hear it.

I'm not making judgments against anyone. I've never done anything but state my stance, which I CAN support with Biblical scripture. I believe in the Jesus that you're familiar with too…however…I also believe in what the rest of the Bible has to say. I never claimed to be a mouthpiece for God, or Jesus. However, since you asked, here are some versus to back up my stance. And prosperity can mean many different things. I'm not only talking about monetary wealth here. I'm talking about many things. Peace, shelter, food, clothing, love, etc. It's our job, as Christians, to spread his message of saving grace so that others can enjoy not only the physical blessings he brings to us, but his spiritual blessings more importantly. I have understanding of the poor and sick, this isn't about me NOT understanding their plight and "profiting" off of the word of God. Quite the opposite.

• Blessed were the disciples:
“But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.” (Matt. 13:16–17)
“And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see: For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.” (Luke 10:23–24)
• Blessed are those who haven't seen Jesus, but still believe in Him, that is all Christians: “Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” (John 20:29)
• Blessed are those—like Peter— to whom the Father reveals the Son: “And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.” (Matt. 16:17)
• “But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.” (Luke 11:28)
• Blessed are those who do good without taking their reward in their lifetime: “But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.” (Luke 14:13–14)
• Blessed are the Christians, who give food for the soul—the Gospel— to people, and whom Jesus when He comes back, will find so doing:
“Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season. Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.” (Matt. 24:45–46)
“Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them... And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.” (Luke 12:37–43)

Beatitudes in the Book of Revelation

The Revelation to John contains 7 beatitudes in connection with the end times. The number 7 appears frequently in this book: there are 7 candlesticks, 7 stars, 7 churches, a Book sealed with 7 seals, 7 trumpets, 7 thunders, 7 plagues.
• “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” (Rev. 1:3)
• “And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.” (Rev. 14:13)
• “Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.” (Rev. 16:15)
• “And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.” (Rev. 19:9)
• “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.” (Rev. 20:6)
• “Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.” (Rev. 22:7)
http://www.cryingvoice.com/Christianity/Blessed.html

rightondude

angelica wrote:

You might want to credit wikipedia for that.

Oh man...classic one line ripper...good one.

(Sorry Miller)

bummp...

angelica

hailhailkc wrote:

I'm not making judgments against anyone. I've never done anything but state my stance, which I CAN support with Biblical scripture. I believe in the Jesus that you're familiar with too…however…

I can understand if your whole belief system prompted you to make your comment that started the first thread.

What I'm talking about specifically here is where you are using the bible verse that is about being persecuted because of Jesus. If you are claiming to be persecuted for supporting Jesus' ideals I ask if you can state which, exactly, of Jesus' positions you are supporting and being persecuted for.

I say this because if you don't have a legitimate Jesus-based position that you can support with Jesus' specific words, it looks like you are misusing a valid verse regarding the persecution that does take place because of Jesus' legitimate word.

I totally get the persecution in the name of Jesus, or God, or religion. I feel the ugly bias all the time. At the same time, I'm not comfortable if God, Jesus and religion are used to back up fallible human judgment because doing so is a catalyst that encourages the bias against religion, God and Jesus.

decides2dream

i wonder who these 'some people' are...i bet it's the same 'they' and 'them.' otherwise, there is no accounting for it.

Meatwagon

All this other crap aside, you have to admit that alot of people are cashing in on the religious dollar. Do you think that it was in the plan to have "Jesus loves you" stamped on #2 pencils and sold in bulk???? How much money is getting put back into community programs from all those damn fish decals on everyother car you pass???? Somebody is always ready to cash in on somebodies hardship or good fortune. Doesn't make it a religous issue, but a finacial one. Oh well.

moeaholic

Meatwagon wrote:

All this other crap aside, you have to admit that alot of people are cashing in on the religious dollar. Do you think that it was in the plan to have "Jesus loves you" stamped on #2 pencils and sold in bulk???? How much money is getting put back into community programs from all those damn fish decals on everyother car you pass???? Somebody is always ready to cash in on somebodies hardship or good fortune. Doesn't make it a religous issue, but a finacial one. Oh well.

how much do you think zinn and chomsky are making whenever one of those skate decks are sold in the goods section?

hailhailkc

angelica wrote:

I can understand if your whole belief system prompted you to make your comment that started the first thread.

What I'm talking about specifically here is where you are using the bible verse that is about being persecuted because of Jesus. If you are claiming to be persecuted for supporting Jesus' ideals I ask if you can state which, exactly, of Jesus' positions you are supporting and being persecuted for.

I say this because if you don't have a legitimate Jesus-based position that you can support with Jesus' specific words, it looks like you are misusing a valid verse regarding the persecution that does take place because of Jesus' legitimate word.

I totally get the persecution in the name of Jesus, or God, or religion. I feel the ugly bias all the time. At the same time, I'm not comfortable if God, Jesus and religion are used to back up fallible human judgment because doing so is a catalyst that encourages the bias against religion, God and Jesus.

In my opinion, the very fact of Rushlimbo starting this thread validates my use of that Bible passage. He read my other thread, mocked that, and then started this thread with a mocking post. The only reason he's doing it is because it centers around my evangelical beliefs in the rapture, accepting Christ as your Savior, and everything else that goes along with that. You and I both know that's the reason. I stated in my other thread that I think God has blessed the United States MORE than other countries because of our evangelism, and faith in Christ on the Cross. Not that we're the ONLY ones to have EVER been blessed, but that in our short time as a nation, we have been ESPECIALLY blessed. If I was simply speaking about Jesus talking to the poor, or helping the hungry, Rushlimbo wouldn't be all up in my face. It's my evangelical stance that he likes bait me with…as with most people here who do the same stuff. It's like if you don't portray Jesus as a liberal, or ONLY talk about the four gospels Matt, Mark, Luke, John…you're some kind of fundy, bigot, zealot, Hitler-esque, love hating, war mongering hypocrite.