Wednesday, September 02, 2015
Thou shall not extort
Maybe Moses’s tablets could
accommodate only ‘ten commandments’, as otherwise extortion would have been
mentioned in it, as not religiously or morally right. Then when the Church
itself indulges in it, then the followers would need to resort to ‘tablets’
than prayers. The world in which we are currently living (or dying) in, has
seen all weird forms of religious atrocities, from religious extremism to
religious fanatics to religious fundamentalist to religious terrorism and even
religious color, where in India if a terrorist act is alleged to be done by a
Hindu outfit it becomes saffron terrorism. Though the color of Jesus is still
debatable, but HE can be my God as it does not matter if he is ‘Black or White’.
What does matter and is concerning
is, I never knew to follow HIM, I had to pay. Since it was my personal tryst
with ‘religious extortion’ I thought I explore what this sham is all about,
which was packaged as ‘community fund’. It was a letter a teenager from a
‘challenged family background’ wanted, which would allow him to receive the
sacrament of confirmation from another parish, as his family may require to
move from their dilapidated dwelling, which means he would move to a different
parish jurisdiction. When the letter was requested, he was questioned why his
family is not contributing to the ‘community fund’. The teenager just did not
know what to do, but to go home in humiliation. I intervened mainly out of
curiosity as this was a child who is supposed to be a recipient of funds, if there
is a community fund; on the contrary told to contribute towards it, what a
dichotomy. Have heard of medieval practices in history where one paid a tax if
they did not subscribe to the religion of the state, but this was ‘pay to be in
the religion’.
Since I did not want to be a part
of a ‘subscription paid religion’, took the feedback of some in the community
who confirmed it was ‘voluntary and not a compulsion’, then why was the priest
insisting on it. On questioning the priest he started squirming with
technicalities on the ‘request of the letter’. My question is if there is a
community fund, who are the recipients? Why are the accounts of this fund not
displayed in the public domain; so people would get encouraged to contribute
when they see where the money gets utilized, rather than extort? How can one be
a recipient of the fund in case one hits dire straits? Who decides the
recipients? In the quest I had one religious who enlightened me, that in the
bible it states one has to contribute 10% of their income, which is now only 1%
which is contributed to the ‘community fund’ (looked like a discount offer). The
Bible does not anywhere indicate that ‘tithing’ is applicable or expected in
our time at all. It was a system which was brought in following the exodus from
Egypt and the forming of the children of Israel into a nation of their own.
Thank God that the religious only
mentioned of the 10% payment which is now on discount, that one can be in the
religion by paying 1%. Imagine if he had to quote Luke 18:22 from the Bible to
me, I would be looking at a community fund to fund my existence and maybe apply
for the Prime Minister’s LPG subsidy fund to keep my kitchen flame burning.
Besides the funds the Church collects during mass, there are other funds collected,
but what was most baffling was a contribution to ‘Peter’s pence’, which funds
the expense of the Pope. With one of the biggest financial scandals being in
the Bank of Vatican, what funds is required for the Pope. Pope Francis is the
best Pope Catholic religion ever had; on a lighter vein even better that St.
Peter, as he betrayed Christ thrice. This Pope smacks you in the face with
realism and not ritualism. Guides you towards Spiritualism and not religion.
Thanks to his strong ‘Christ like whipping’ of the Church and its follies, the bank
of Vatican earned €69.3m (£49m), compared to just €2.9m in 2013, when it was
hit by bad investments and clean-up costs. With all this profit what ‘Peter’s
pence’ we need to contribute too? High time for ‘Peter to dispense’ money to
countries like India.
Why just ‘Peter’s Pence’ and not
a ‘Thomas Pence’? St. Thomas was a disciple of Christ who brought the teaching
of Christ to India, and there are times one sees volunteers seeking donations
for a Church to be built in India, donations sought from various Christian (and
other noble) Organizations who needs funds, and here we are urged to contribute
for the Pope’s expense, when the earlier Pope lived a swelling lavish life,
retired and is now living in a Palace. Is this what I am supposed to contribute
too? How much funds from the Vatican or foreign churches reach India? So with
the community pence wish there was some community sense that one could
contribute with their 2 cents.
Comments:
<< Home
Our Parish Priest have always been defensive on many things mostly assets and expenses.
They also show their power at the time of receiving the blessed sacramentso.
At the same time, the community should also understand that they need to contribute to the upkeep of the church and it's services.
They also show their power at the time of receiving the blessed sacramentso.
At the same time, the community should also understand that they need to contribute to the upkeep of the church and it's services.
# posted by 
: 12:00 AM
: 12:00 AM
Very true and we'll written however....
- this being the case in your parish may not necessarily be true for all of church ...I think that the parish priests do it to generate favouritism from the bishop. ..not a good system. .but againjust my guess.
- regarding funds reaching India from foreign lands of the Vatican. ..it is just not possible as the government has stopped all donations to charity or institutions a few years ago. The church in India has to fend for itself so even if they do have a Thomas pence it won't do us any good.
- this being the case in your parish may not necessarily be true for all of church ...I think that the parish priests do it to generate favouritism from the bishop. ..not a good system. .but againjust my guess.
- regarding funds reaching India from foreign lands of the Vatican. ..it is just not possible as the government has stopped all donations to charity or institutions a few years ago. The church in India has to fend for itself so even if they do have a Thomas pence it won't do us any good.
I have argued with some of my parish priests that they display their stupidity in calling 1% tithe (arithmetically it is 10%). Blessed with a very ethical parish priest now.
There is a minority of idiots and scoundrels in priestly robes. Most clergy are fine. The laity (us) also have a role in giving, wisely, so that those less fortunate are not deprived. This is certainly God's plan, requiring MORE THAN 10% of income - it is tithe AND offerings that are called for. When these are not given God says He is cheated (check the Bible.
Appreciate your standing up for your less fortunate neighbour - another Christian requirement!
There is a minority of idiots and scoundrels in priestly robes. Most clergy are fine. The laity (us) also have a role in giving, wisely, so that those less fortunate are not deprived. This is certainly God's plan, requiring MORE THAN 10% of income - it is tithe AND offerings that are called for. When these are not given God says He is cheated (check the Bible.
Appreciate your standing up for your less fortunate neighbour - another Christian requirement!
Nice Post. I've always wondered why each church had to feel that they had to pay a "Royalty" to the Vatican. Is it so that the priests get favor with the higher ups there? Or is it to show in their annual reports to be one up over their fellow churches?
Does this get taken into consideration when a priest is selected to be "exported" to the US or Europe?
Since we have the internet, Why done we have a centrally managed franchising enterprise withe the Vatican managing "quality" of the priests and their sermons? We should also have the Vatican perform background checks on clergy and ensure each franchise follows the local laws.
Maybe we should just have the Vatican incorporate (with each franchise owning stock) and open up their books for public audit and review.
And why don't we all just go to a quiet place to pray - away from all this mess.
Does this get taken into consideration when a priest is selected to be "exported" to the US or Europe?
Since we have the internet, Why done we have a centrally managed franchising enterprise withe the Vatican managing "quality" of the priests and their sermons? We should also have the Vatican perform background checks on clergy and ensure each franchise follows the local laws.
Maybe we should just have the Vatican incorporate (with each franchise owning stock) and open up their books for public audit and review.
And why don't we all just go to a quiet place to pray - away from all this mess.
# posted by : 10:33 PM
: 10:33 PM
True, one has to rethink all this utter nonsense. In Changanachery one priest got away with 2 1/2 crores rupees which was supposed to be paid as an insurance premium of a large under privileged community scheme. Higher authorities are afraid of questioning him as he holds bigger secrets of the church. During the priest meeting Bishop informed other priests that it is a closed chapter
# posted by : 10:34 PM
: 10:34 PM
Well chosen topic. I am an ardent defender & a staunch critic of the Catholic Church.
This topic has many sides & can be highly divisive.
The practice of tithing is always clear, 10%, it was never diluted to be anything else & in my opinion shouldn't be. It is money that should be set aside before the rent, groceries, school fees, etc.
Israel had 12 tribes, the priestly tribe were the Levis. If each tribe gave 10%, and if the Levis would in turn tithe 10% of their the amounts received then they should be living on par with most of the congregation.
I agree with the priest, if I want to be a recipient of the system I need to be part of the system. Same like taxes. Some days I will put in more than I will take out, other days it will be quite the opposite.
Having said that, the Catholic Church is the largest landowner in the world. They also have the greatest stash of art, not all art is removable, like the Sistine Chapel but they sit on billions of dollars of hard cash.
But yes, I would like the Catholic Church to be more giving & not always with their hand out. Build affordable housing, help youth in business, teach trades for people to live, etc.
It's a common misconception that people dedicating their life to God, is signing themselves up for poverty. No, it's signing themselves up for service for God's work, it's a calling, a vocation, not a profession.
All said, there are many corrupt practices in the church but we all contribute to that system.
This topic has many sides & can be highly divisive.
The practice of tithing is always clear, 10%, it was never diluted to be anything else & in my opinion shouldn't be. It is money that should be set aside before the rent, groceries, school fees, etc.
Israel had 12 tribes, the priestly tribe were the Levis. If each tribe gave 10%, and if the Levis would in turn tithe 10% of their the amounts received then they should be living on par with most of the congregation.
I agree with the priest, if I want to be a recipient of the system I need to be part of the system. Same like taxes. Some days I will put in more than I will take out, other days it will be quite the opposite.
Having said that, the Catholic Church is the largest landowner in the world. They also have the greatest stash of art, not all art is removable, like the Sistine Chapel but they sit on billions of dollars of hard cash.
But yes, I would like the Catholic Church to be more giving & not always with their hand out. Build affordable housing, help youth in business, teach trades for people to live, etc.
It's a common misconception that people dedicating their life to God, is signing themselves up for poverty. No, it's signing themselves up for service for God's work, it's a calling, a vocation, not a profession.
All said, there are many corrupt practices in the church but we all contribute to that system.
I WILL LEAVE MY COMMENTS REG.YOUR LAST PARA. THE COLLECTION IN CHURCHES ON FIRST AND THIRD SUNDAYS GOES TO THE ARCHBISHOPS HOUSE FOR USE IN CHURCHES WHERE LOCAL FUNDS CANNOT TAKE CARE OF THEIR OWN NEEDS. THIS WAY WELL OFF PARISHES CONTRIBUTE TO LESS OFF PARISHES.
THE COMMUNITY FUND IS USED FOR THE NEEDS OF PARISHONERS WHO CANNOT AFFORD MEDICAL OR OTHER EXPENSES. SO ALL SAID N DONE IT IS NECESSARY FOR PARISHONERS TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE CHURCH WHETHER 1% OR 10% AS THE CHURCH HAS DONE MUCH BY WAY OF EDUCATION N MEDICAL TREATMENT. MANY OF US CATHOLICS HAVE BEEN EDUCATED IN CATHOLIC SCHOOLS N COLLEGES N NOW IS THE TIME TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE LESS WELL OF PARISHONERS WHO DIDN'T HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY OF A GOOD EDUCATION N HENCE A GOOD JOB.
I AGREE WITH ONE OF THE EARLY CONTRIBUTORS WHO SAID THE CHURCH IN INDIA "largest landowner in the world " WHICH SHOULD BE USED FOR HOUSING FOR CATHOLICS ONLY.
SOME PARISH PRIESTS HAVE FENCED CHURCH PROPERTY AND EVEN PUT UP BOARDS INDICATING THAT THEY BELONG TO THE CHURCH EG LIKE OUR PARISH SO PARISHONERS ARE AWARE.
ALL SAID N DONE FOR A PARISH PRIEST TO REQUEST FOR CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY FUND BEFORE HE DISPENSES MONEY FOR A NEEDY PARISHONER SMACKS OF A POUND FOR A POUND OF FLESH.
THANKS FOR TAKING UP THE CAUSE OF A NEEDY PARISHONER/
AND AS FOR PETER PENCE OR THOMAS PENCE WE NEED TO BE SELF SUFFICIENT AND OUR CONTIRBUTION DOESN'T GO TO PAY FOR THE TRAVELS OF THE POPE. THE VATICAN GENERATES ENOUGH FUNDS BY WAY OF TOURISM AND VISITS TO THE VATICAN MUSUEMS.
THE COMMUNITY FUND IS USED FOR THE NEEDS OF PARISHONERS WHO CANNOT AFFORD MEDICAL OR OTHER EXPENSES. SO ALL SAID N DONE IT IS NECESSARY FOR PARISHONERS TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE CHURCH WHETHER 1% OR 10% AS THE CHURCH HAS DONE MUCH BY WAY OF EDUCATION N MEDICAL TREATMENT. MANY OF US CATHOLICS HAVE BEEN EDUCATED IN CATHOLIC SCHOOLS N COLLEGES N NOW IS THE TIME TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE LESS WELL OF PARISHONERS WHO DIDN'T HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY OF A GOOD EDUCATION N HENCE A GOOD JOB.
I AGREE WITH ONE OF THE EARLY CONTRIBUTORS WHO SAID THE CHURCH IN INDIA "largest landowner in the world " WHICH SHOULD BE USED FOR HOUSING FOR CATHOLICS ONLY.
SOME PARISH PRIESTS HAVE FENCED CHURCH PROPERTY AND EVEN PUT UP BOARDS INDICATING THAT THEY BELONG TO THE CHURCH EG LIKE OUR PARISH SO PARISHONERS ARE AWARE.
ALL SAID N DONE FOR A PARISH PRIEST TO REQUEST FOR CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY FUND BEFORE HE DISPENSES MONEY FOR A NEEDY PARISHONER SMACKS OF A POUND FOR A POUND OF FLESH.
THANKS FOR TAKING UP THE CAUSE OF A NEEDY PARISHONER/
AND AS FOR PETER PENCE OR THOMAS PENCE WE NEED TO BE SELF SUFFICIENT AND OUR CONTIRBUTION DOESN'T GO TO PAY FOR THE TRAVELS OF THE POPE. THE VATICAN GENERATES ENOUGH FUNDS BY WAY OF TOURISM AND VISITS TO THE VATICAN MUSUEMS.
# posted by : 8:45 AM
: 8:45 AM
The day I was asked to pay 6000/- plus for use of parish (St Joseph Church, Mira Road), premises for Word Ministry classes, I smelt something fishy. The day we got hold of RTI information that the extension to Anubhav inter religious spirituality centre was unauthorised, our fears were confirmed. Getting no information from the hierarchy and other developments prompted us to file RTI in the Office of the Asst Charity Commissioner, Thane. The Audit statements revealed the amount of monies that were not only concealed but also expenses inflated was mind-boggling. Our pressure made the parish priest add 32lakhs plus to the gross collection.
The amount of corruption and money collection strategies if one has only to become aware then this approach will be adopted as how to make money in the Church in the syllabus.
This corruption has been happening over the years.
In return we hv received death threats funeral wreaths delivered to our homes, letters delivered to housing societies to support Priests, signature campaigns, Bishop Dominic Savio letter displayed on parish notice board maligning us, put pressure on Asst Charity Commissioner to stall investigation, false statements filed etc.
This is what is once you enter the Mercy Door!
There's
Funeral Fund,
CANCER FUND,
TANZANIA FUND
RENT
CHRISTMAS BALL
EASTER BALL
MIRA FEST
CHURCH STALL......
A study of the respective Audit Statements will possibly reveal the rot.
Two former parish Priests contacted people to tackle me physically.
The present parish priest displayed our photos n made defamatory announcement.
My services in Family Cell Pre - Bap and Counselling were terminated.
Contribution for what?
You te
The amount of corruption and money collection strategies if one has only to become aware then this approach will be adopted as how to make money in the Church in the syllabus.
This corruption has been happening over the years.
In return we hv received death threats funeral wreaths delivered to our homes, letters delivered to housing societies to support Priests, signature campaigns, Bishop Dominic Savio letter displayed on parish notice board maligning us, put pressure on Asst Charity Commissioner to stall investigation, false statements filed etc.
This is what is once you enter the Mercy Door!
There's
Funeral Fund,
CANCER FUND,
TANZANIA FUND
RENT
CHRISTMAS BALL
EASTER BALL
MIRA FEST
CHURCH STALL......
A study of the respective Audit Statements will possibly reveal the rot.
Two former parish Priests contacted people to tackle me physically.
The present parish priest displayed our photos n made defamatory announcement.
My services in Family Cell Pre - Bap and Counselling were terminated.
Contribution for what?
You te
Sunny thanks for raking this up. You have balls man.
Having said that I would really like to not only have transparency on the collections and donations recieved by the churches in India but also of all the land donated to the churches by various catholics thinking that their lands would be put to good use especially in aiding the poor of our community and building schools hospitals chapels etc. If by Gods grace we do have perview to all of what I have mentioned with proper assistance from the bishops house then this would enable all of us catholics to learn a vee bit more about our churches and its clandestine workings. Transparency would enable us to better understand our short comings and better partake in religious functions. This will help our churches to grow and we the flock would be more comfortable in expressing our faith and patronizing our churches which currently are losing its parishioners at a very alarming rate.
Post a Comment
Having said that I would really like to not only have transparency on the collections and donations recieved by the churches in India but also of all the land donated to the churches by various catholics thinking that their lands would be put to good use especially in aiding the poor of our community and building schools hospitals chapels etc. If by Gods grace we do have perview to all of what I have mentioned with proper assistance from the bishops house then this would enable all of us catholics to learn a vee bit more about our churches and its clandestine workings. Transparency would enable us to better understand our short comings and better partake in religious functions. This will help our churches to grow and we the flock would be more comfortable in expressing our faith and patronizing our churches which currently are losing its parishioners at a very alarming rate.
# posted by : 8:39 AM
: 8:39 AM Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home
Subscribe to Posts [Atom]