For the continuation of the Brian Tamaki $35000 Harley thread that was closed

[onearmedbandit]

Whether tithing is acceptable or not is not the problem I have, its the threatening letters they send to those in the Parish who can't afford it when they don't pay.

Also, and correct me if I'm wrong as I am not familiar with most verse from the Bible, but does it not say "It is harder for a rich man to enter heaven, then it is for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle." Now if thats right then surely a man, of BT's wealth, the way he has dispersed it (seemingly himself and his wife), the method of collection, and the poverty of many of his followers, will find the door well and truely shut, no-one answering, and a distinct smell of burning flesh coming from below him.

I went to a heavily religous school, saw hypocrocy(sp?) first hand from the school staff (hey, the principal was caught having an affair with a Chinese teacher he arranged to bring over. Said it was a mission God was sending him on, spent thousands upon thousands on trips, gifts, and setting her up here. Go figure) and this guy smells the same way. Its people like this that make me almost want to believe in eternal punishment.

[jrandom]

Said it was a mission God was sending him on...

And if *that* hadn't alerted you, the full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, and the fact that it was dark and he was wearing sunglasses would really have set alarm bells ringing...

[onearmedbandit]

This guy was so straight laced, it came as a complete shock to most if not all in the school. I shouild balance my previous post by saying that there were also brilliant christian staff at the school, and I've met plenty of decent christians.

[Hitcher]

This guy was so straight laced, it came as a complete shock to most if not all in the school. I shouild balance my previous post by saying that there were also brilliant christian staff at the school, and I've met plenty of decent christians.

We've all met decent Christians. I think that's the true "crime" -- that scum-sucking bottom feeders are allowed to prey on the truly pious and holy.

To quote St Britney: "Oops, I've done it again..." (Strayed too close to the Scottish Thread)

[Ms Piggy]

Whether tithing is acceptable or not is not the problem I have, its the threatening letters they send to those in the Parish who can't afford it when they don't pay.

Ummmmm, is this really true? Or just another "rumour"?

I mean I know they're a MONEY church but...????

[Skunk]

Don't know about Destiny (it's will come), but there is another that does.

[onearmedbandit]

Ummmmm, is this really true? Or just another "rumour"?

I mean I know they're a MONEY church but...????

As true as some famalies have reported it, and when asked about it BT admitted Destiny do send out 'reminder' notices when people miss payments. I'm sure they are very nicely worded tho...

[Ms Piggy]

As true as some famalies have reported it, and when asked about it BT admitted Destiny do send out 'reminder' notices when people miss payments. I'm sure they are very nicely worded tho...

YIKES!!!

How about this then!?
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/dominio...6a6479,00.html

I just wonder how these people think their integrity can remain intact when they are causing people to get further into debt for the sake of the church - I never thought that is what church was supposed to be about.

I'm sure there are a lot of churches that are out there doing good but, sheesh, if the people that are meant to be the ambassadors of kindness & "love". :spudwhat: :spudwhat: :spudwhat: I think if these people are going to be leaders of a community they need to be "do as I do" people NOT "do as I say, not as I do", makes me really quite angry!

[jrandom]

I just wonder how these people think their integrity can remain intact when they are causing people to get further into debt for the sake of the church - I never thought that si what church was supposed to be about.

The Samoan and other PI churches throughout the country almost uniformly behave like this. It's an absolute, utter disgrace, and a shame on the name of anyone associated with it.

Well done to whoever brought this particular instance to the public's attention.

[Ms Piggy]

The Samoan and other PI churches throughout the country almost uniformly behave like this. It's an absolute, utter disgrace, and a shame on the name of anyone associated with it.

Well done to whoever brought this particular instance to the public's attention.

I just found it amazing that his daughter felt she could justify his/the church council requests for parishoners to pay $500 each for his trip!!!

[jrandom]

I just found it amazing that his daughter felt she could justify his/the church council requests for parishoners to pay $500 each for his trip!!!

It's a mentality.

They (the 'ministers' and their families) really do think they're entitled to suck the blood of their parishioners. As you can see from her comments, she has the idea that she's on some sort of higher social plane, with an aristocratic right to tread on the Lower Classes.

It's just human nature, really, and it's not pretty.

[Ms Piggy]

It's just human nature, really, and it's not pretty.

Yes, some things that continues to similtaneously amaze and dissapoint me.

[Hitcher]

The traditional PI church model must be unsustainable in New Zealand. The dosh they squander on the mores of their "pastors", the palaces of worship they build that are way beyond logic and reason, and then the controls they seek to place around the lives of parishioners. When you consider many PI parents are also investing heavily in educating their kids, you can see why you have both parents holding down two or more jobs. Money and power. Tragic.

[Coldkiwi]

i'm becoming a bit of a sceptic about the articles stuff.co.nz publishes because their objectivity seems to wane a bit.

Nonetheless, I am only too happy to agree with the condemnation of reminder notices and naming of people about the amount they tithe. Its for god and the giver to know, not the rest of the church.

[MikeL]

It's just human nature, really, and it's not pretty.

Another compelling argument against organized religion. This type of situation and others are the inevitable consequence of individuals handing power and control of their own spirituality and morality to a specialized priestly caste incapable of rising above their own human nature. It's only surprising that anyone is surprised...