There is no official legislative definition of "religion" in the US. An organizations applies to the IRS for tax exempt status and it is granted or rejected. Apparently a "church" is not required to "believe in" any sort of God. I think I could get tax exempt status for a house of prostitution. If one combined the published "legal" details of Scientology and the LDS with classes of memberships and fees for educational services, AND secret ceremonies . . . .
Tax-Exempt Status Churches and religious organizations, like many other charitable organizations, qualify for exemption from federal income tax under IRC Section 501(c)(3) and are generally eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions. To qualify for tax-exempt status, the organization must meet the following requirements (covered in greater detail throughout this publication): n the organization must be organized and operated exclusively for religious, educational, scientific or other charitable purposes; n net earnings may not inure to the benefit of any private individual or shareholder; n no substantial part of its activity may be attempting to influence legislation; n the organization may not intervene in political campaigns; and n the organization’s purposes and activities may not be illegal or violate fundamental public policy. Recognition of Tax-Exempt Status Automatic Exemption for Churches Churches that meet the requirements of IRC Section 501(c)(3) are automatically considered tax exempt and are not required to apply for and obtain recognition of tax-exempt status from the IRS. Although there is no requirement to do so, many churches seek recognition of tax-exempt status from the IRS because this recognition assures church leaders, members and contributors that the church is recognized as exempt and qualifies for related tax benefits. For example, contributors to a church that has been recognized as tax exempt would know that their contributions generally are tax-deductible.
First, Maslow's Hierarchy. For most humans, basic food and shelter comes before religion. If one's kids are hungry . . . .
Second, the first center of Christianity was North Africa, then Europe, then North America. Seems like God has given up on North America. Next will be South America and then South Africa? History seems circular and cyclical.
Third, I spent my first 40 years in Dispensational Christianity and was then "Reformed." I confess I don't understand how Reformed theology supports Reformed evangelism. (I think) Reformed theology and evangelism should be based on regeneration temporally preceding conversion, conversion temporally preceding sanctification. NOT convincing people to "believe in . . . ."
Thus the purpose of Reformed evangelism should be to identifying those whom the Holy Spirit is "working on," regenerating, and then inviting them to join the fellowship of those whom the Holy Spirit is also "working on." I was happy to support the (old) CRWRC because their philosophy seemed to be to first earn the right to be heard through doing good works without any hope of gain for ourselves. Not even of earning higher status in the next life but simple because it is what Christians do. The (old) name "said it all."
Thanks for the reply. Theologically agree but pragmatically taking human nature and social contract into consideration, street corner preaching, for example, is no longer useful. As a cynic, CRC policy and publications would read differently if CRC "professionals" followed St Paul's example of earning his living expenses outside his spiritual/church activities.
Decades ago I worshipped with the Plymouth Brethren when they (still) had no paid preachers yet they pragmatically "invented" dispenational theology and influenced 80% (?) of the books in "Christian" book stores.
Our congregation helps to support two missionary and three missionary families and we personally know them all. I can't think of a better way of doing it.
Exactly! Logically, we don't evangelize so that people can be saved (can become regenerate) but to welcome the regenerate into the many benefits of the Church in this world. For years I heard sermons about my neighbors all going to Hell if I didn't pester them about "inviting Jesus into their hearts." One preacher said that we (I) would have to push our neighbors over the edge into Hell if I neglected to "evangelize" them.
I am already to discuss the matter if the topic arises but I hate to pester people. If they come to my door . . . .
Exactly what is the purpose of evangelism in Reformed theology? To invite the elect/possibly regenerate into the fellowship of the earthly Church or to convince strangers to "invite Jesus into their hearts" (or whatever) so that God can regenerate them?
Doesn't regeneration proceed conversion? We respond because the Holt Spirit has regenerated us? Many Reformed pastors and members seem to be contaminated with dispensational theology. Reformed practice began in Reformed communities where infant baptism welcomed them into the Church.
It is a "scientific" error for the CRC to get involved in this political, not scientific mess. First, no "scientific" information can be claimed to be true if the claim can not be falsified e.g. the "black swan" example. Climate and weather are chaotic systems.
Second, The noun, "science" should be reserved for investigation that can be duplicated under the same conditions thus no historical investigation is "scientific." Modern people seem to think that any investigation which uses expensive high tech tools is "scientific." Cooking is still an art even thought we just bought an induction range that cost over three grand and is worth every cent. My wife is a professional cook and likes it better than gas.
Third, take CA for example. The land from east of the coastal range to the west side of UT and AZ has been desert for 10,000 years. By happenstance there was more rainfall in most of the 20th century. The desert conditions returned the year after Lake Powell was full and now it is half empty. This has nothing to do with human activity.
Fourth, the oceans are warming possibly due to underwater volcanic activity. Warmer oceans evaporate more water into the air which must come down someplace. Because US mid-west winter weather comes from over the pole through Canada, according to high school physics, we in the US should expect more snowfall east of the Rockies to the Atlantic coast. Think about it. I don't know anything about weather in Africa.
Every time I see "Speclal Olympics" I think "Special Spelling Bee." It is mental capacity that defines "adult," not physical ability. if physical ability defines "adult" then, using the same logic, the age of consent should also be defined in terms of plysical ability and not chronological age.
It seems to be a habit for many people like myself to talk louder when one's message doesn't seem to be understood. Long time ago I had to talk with a stranger who was in a wheel chair and had MS or maybe something worse. After a short time he said, "Just because I am disabled it doesn't mean that I am stupid." This was an imprtant lesson for me. This concept needs to be applied to all "disability" legislation and regualtons. "Hard cases make bad laws."
Posted in: Purposefully Putting Culture Before Christ
There is no official legislative definition of "religion" in the US. An organizations applies to the IRS for tax exempt status and it is granted or rejected. Apparently a "church" is not required to "believe in" any sort of God. I think I could get tax exempt status for a house of prostitution. If one combined the published "legal" details of Scientology and the LDS with classes of memberships and fees for educational services, AND secret ceremonies . . . .
http://freebeacon.com/issues/irs-denied-tax-exempt-status-57-religious-groups-2015/
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p1828.pdf
Tax-Exempt Status Churches and religious organizations, like many other charitable organizations, qualify for exemption from federal income tax under IRC Section 501(c)(3) and are generally eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions. To qualify for tax-exempt status, the organization must meet the following requirements (covered in greater detail throughout this publication): n the organization must be organized and operated exclusively for religious, educational, scientific or other charitable purposes; n net earnings may not inure to the benefit of any private individual or shareholder; n no substantial part of its activity may be attempting to influence legislation; n the organization may not intervene in political campaigns; and n the organization’s purposes and activities may not be illegal or violate fundamental public policy. Recognition of Tax-Exempt Status Automatic Exemption for Churches Churches that meet the requirements of IRC Section 501(c)(3) are automatically considered tax exempt and are not required to apply for and obtain recognition of tax-exempt status from the IRS. Although there is no requirement to do so, many churches seek recognition of tax-exempt status from the IRS because this recognition assures church leaders, members and contributors that the church is recognized as exempt and qualifies for related tax benefits. For example, contributors to a church that has been recognized as tax exempt would know that their contributions generally are tax-deductible.
Posted in: Purposefully Putting Culture Before Christ
Two or three observations:
First, Maslow's Hierarchy. For most humans, basic food and shelter comes before religion. If one's kids are hungry . . . .
Second, the first center of Christianity was North Africa, then Europe, then North America. Seems like God has given up on North America. Next will be South America and then South Africa? History seems circular and cyclical.
Third, I spent my first 40 years in Dispensational Christianity and was then "Reformed." I confess I don't understand how Reformed theology supports Reformed evangelism. (I think) Reformed theology and evangelism should be based on regeneration temporally preceding conversion, conversion temporally preceding sanctification. NOT convincing people to "believe in . . . ."
Thus the purpose of Reformed evangelism should be to identifying those whom the Holy Spirit is "working on," regenerating, and then inviting them to join the fellowship of those whom the Holy Spirit is also "working on." I was happy to support the (old) CRWRC because their philosophy seemed to be to first earn the right to be heard through doing good works without any hope of gain for ourselves. Not even of earning higher status in the next life but simple because it is what Christians do. The (old) name "said it all."
Posted in: Purposefully Putting Culture Before Christ
Thanks for the reply. Theologically agree but pragmatically taking human nature and social contract into consideration, street corner preaching, for example, is no longer useful. As a cynic, CRC policy and publications would read differently if CRC "professionals" followed St Paul's example of earning his living expenses outside his spiritual/church activities.
Decades ago I worshipped with the Plymouth Brethren when they (still) had no paid preachers yet they pragmatically "invented" dispenational theology and influenced 80% (?) of the books in "Christian" book stores.
http://www.plymouthbrethren.org/
Posted in: Mental Health and Gun Violence
Ban citizen ownership and the US can have the safe streets, schools, and neighborhoods that Mexico does.
Posted in: What Churches Need to Know About Managing Overseas Ministries
Our congregation helps to support two missionary and three missionary families and we personally know them all. I can't think of a better way of doing it.
Posted in: 9 Reasons Christians Don't Evangelize
Exactly! Logically, we don't evangelize so that people can be saved (can become regenerate) but to welcome the regenerate into the many benefits of the Church in this world. For years I heard sermons about my neighbors all going to Hell if I didn't pester them about "inviting Jesus into their hearts." One preacher said that we (I) would have to push our neighbors over the edge into Hell if I neglected to "evangelize" them.
I am already to discuss the matter if the topic arises but I hate to pester people. If they come to my door . . . .
Posted in: 9 Reasons Christians Don't Evangelize
Exactly what is the purpose of evangelism in Reformed theology? To invite the elect/possibly regenerate into the fellowship of the earthly Church or to convince strangers to "invite Jesus into their hearts" (or whatever) so that God can regenerate them?
Doesn't regeneration proceed conversion? We respond because the Holt Spirit has regenerated us? Many Reformed pastors and members seem to be contaminated with dispensational theology. Reformed practice began in Reformed communities where infant baptism welcomed them into the Church.
Posted in: Climate Conversation: Kenya
It is a "scientific" error for the CRC to get involved in this political, not scientific mess. First, no "scientific" information can be claimed to be true if the claim can not be falsified e.g. the "black swan" example. Climate and weather are chaotic systems.
Second, The noun, "science" should be reserved for investigation that can be duplicated under the same conditions thus no historical investigation is "scientific." Modern people seem to think that any investigation which uses expensive high tech tools is "scientific." Cooking is still an art even thought we just bought an induction range that cost over three grand and is worth every cent. My wife is a professional cook and likes it better than gas.
Third, take CA for example. The land from east of the coastal range to the west side of UT and AZ has been desert for 10,000 years. By happenstance there was more rainfall in most of the 20th century. The desert conditions returned the year after Lake Powell was full and now it is half empty. This has nothing to do with human activity.
Fourth, the oceans are warming possibly due to underwater volcanic activity. Warmer oceans evaporate more water into the air which must come down someplace. Because US mid-west winter weather comes from over the pole through Canada, according to high school physics, we in the US should expect more snowfall east of the Rockies to the Atlantic coast. Think about it. I don't know anything about weather in Africa.
Posted in: Are You Funneling?
Would this approach be Pelagian or Semi-Pelagian?
Posted in: Learning in a Grown Up World
Every time I see "Speclal Olympics" I think "Special Spelling Bee." It is mental capacity that defines "adult," not physical ability. if physical ability defines "adult" then, using the same logic, the age of consent should also be defined in terms of plysical ability and not chronological age.
Posted in: Learning in a Grown Up World
It seems to be a habit for many people like myself to talk louder when one's message doesn't seem to be understood. Long time ago I had to talk with a stranger who was in a wheel chair and had MS or maybe something worse. After a short time he said, "Just because I am disabled it doesn't mean that I am stupid." This was an imprtant lesson for me. This concept needs to be applied to all "disability" legislation and regualtons. "Hard cases make bad laws."
Posted in: Jesus' Disability That Came With His Incarnation
Yes, but if Jesus was God then he didn't need to become incarnate to know or learn anything, did he?