NationStates Jolt Archive

A clergyman has proposed putting cash machinesin churches. I guess it might increase tithing. I wonder what robot Jesus would have to say about these mechanical money changers?

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_1946649.html?menu=

:p A clergyman has proposed putting cash machinesin churches. I guess it might increase tithing. I wonder what robot Jesus would have to say about these mechanical money changers?

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_1946649.html?menu=

My guess is He'd take a whip, beat the preacher, make a big mess with the cash machines, oh... wait, he'd have been arrested WAY before then. *dangit*
Well, in that case, Jesus might tell him to add a slot machine. :p

"and the Robot lord said, let hell rain down upon those robots who change money in our churches"

http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~pennck/grabs/priestsmall.gif

They would go straight to 'bot hell, and meet Beelzebot:
http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~pennck/grabs/devilwall_thumb.jpg

A clergyman has proposed putting cash machinesin churches. I guess it might increase tithing. I wonder what robot Jesus would have to say about these mechanical money changers?

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_1946649.html?menu=

This is dispicable. The Church should not be used as a money changing place. This clergyman should be thrown out of the church.

there is a "mega-church" not far from my church that has 3 ATM machines in the church, 1 in the coffee shop, 1 in the restraunt, and 1 near the arcade.........

do I have a problem with this? sure, but I have a problem with the whole "mega-church" trend.

I was somewhat disturbed when visiting my current church to find out that they had a merchant account........but I got over it, it's so much easier to pay online with my debit card ;)

"and the Robot lord said, let hell rain down upon those robots who change money in our churches"
They would go straight to 'bot hell, and meet Beelzebot:
Pffft.

He's no Space Pope
http://static.flickr.com/47/124861108_059dea7993_m.jpg

England, land of neo-Pharisees and neo-Cromwellians.

We need to put mud pits in churches. *nod*

America, land of neo-Pharisees and neo-Cromwellians.
Um way to look silly I guess cause from what I can tell this is England (they refference asking for the C of E's permission)

Edit:
Yup you were spouting off ... for sure

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lincolnshire/5255092.stm

this has nothing to do with America

What kind of a church is this??? Church of Holy Greed, or what? Kick the bum out of the church and to the curb. Make my God's house into a den of thieves- pthuh- I'd like to see ya' try an' get away with it.. grrrrrr.:sniper: :gundge: :mp5:

What kind of a church is this??? Church of Holy Greed, or what? Kick the bum out of the church and to the curb. Make my God's house into a den of thieves- pthuh- I'd like to see ya' try an' get away with it.. grrrrrr.:sniper: :gundge: :mp5:


Wow, over react much? Den of thieves? Explain to me who is the thief when you allow people to access THEIR money when THEY want to, to use as THEY wish?

How damned oversensitive have we become when our morals recoil at the thought of a church activily soliciting donations, and yet ignoring that chruches survive almost entirely on donations...

Whats the big deal with this? Most Christians pick and choose which parts of the bible they follow so why can't churches?

Anyway, it's convenient if you need money to buy beer after services.

Edit: In fact, having actually read the article and found out what the thread is really about I think this is a great idea. If all rural churchs had atms then it would lessen the impact of the widespread closure of many post office branch offices following the conversion to pensions being paid into bank accounts rather than cash in hand. Allowing the generally less moblie elderly access to their money in what is a much safer environment than a street atm can only be a good thing and I'm sure Jesus would understand.

this has nothing to do with America
My apologies. This just sounded like something that would happen in the US South. Actually, according to Smunkeeville, it is already happening, :(

Whats the big deal with this? Most Christians pick and choose which parts of the bible they follow so why can't churches?

Anyway, it's convenient if you need money to buy beer after services.

Fine. But ONLY if it's used for Beer. The moment he buys candy with that money, BAM!

My apologies. This just sounded like something that would happen in the US South. Actually, according to Smunkeeville, it is already happening, :(
Now that I can agree with I had to look twice otherwise I would have assumed the american south as well :) no worries thats why I changed the wording a bit to not be as mean as it origionaly sounded lol

Now that I can agree with I had to look twice otherwise I would have assumed the american south as well :) no worries thats why I changed the wording a bit to not be as mean as it origionaly sounded lol

I don't get why this is an issue in the first place. The clergy said it was a ggod idea nad the congregation agreed.

I don't get why this is an issue in the first place. The clergy said it was a ggod idea nad the congregation agreed.

What about God? Did God agree? Did He even get to VOTE?!

What about God? Did God agree? Did He even get to VOTE?!

Tell you what, when he wonders into the church we'll listen to him, until then we'll assume that silence gives consent. How that for ya?

Didn't Jesus have a fit because of money-changers in the Temple in Jerusalem? *checks* Yup, he did. So wouldn't that go against this-or-that rule?

What about God? Did God agree? Did He even get to VOTE?!

I assume god is more than capable of showing what it wants to do.

Didn't Jesus have a fit because of money-changers in the Temple in Jerusalem? *checks* Yup, he did. So wouldn't that go against this-or-that rule?

Not if your a Christian.

Tell you what, when he wonders into the church we'll listen to him, until then we'll assume that silence gives consent. How that for ya?
Today's smackdown has been brought to you by:
Fartsniffage.

Didn't Jesus have a fit because of money-changers in the Temple in Jerusalem? *checks* Yup, he did. So wouldn't that go against this-or-that rule?

Old ladies being able to get their pensions in safety in the moddle of the countryside after the post offices have all been shut down.

If Jesus is against that then he's a bastard

Today's smackdown has been brought to you by:
Fartsniffage.

I thank you. *bows*

*snif*
Who keeps making that obnoxious noise accompanied by a noxious smell... ewww.

Whodunnit, Fartsniffage- use your fartsniffage powers- who let one?

Tell you what, when he wonders into the church we'll listen to him, until then we'll assume that silence gives consent. How that for ya?hehe


Homer: "Dear Lord: The gods have been good to me. For the first time in my life, everything is absolutely perfect just the way it is. So here's the deal: You freeze everything the way it is, and I won't ask for anything more. If that is OK, please give me absolutely no sign. OK, deal. In gratitude, I present you this offering of cookies and milk. If you want me to eat them for you, give me no sign. Thy will be done."

Didn't Jesus have a fit because of money-changers in the Temple in Jerusalem? *checks* Yup, he did. So wouldn't that go against this-or-that rule?

Incorrect, Jesus drove out the CORRUPT money changers. Those that were charging interest etc.

An ATM is generally a fair thing, it gives you what is already yours. Jesus drove out the CORRUPT money changers, and those that did business in the temple.

An ATM is not doing business. It is just there. Now if the atm charged fees you MIGHT have a biblical argument to make (which would still be weak but it'd be there).

An ATM does not "change money" nor does it "lend money", it just gives you what is yours.

Incorrect, Jesus drove out the CORRUPT money changers. Those that were charging interest etc.

An ATM is generally a fair thing, it gives you what is already yours. Jesus drove out the CORRUPT money changers, and those that did business in the temple.

An ATM is not doing business. It is just there. Now if the atm charged fees you MIGHT have a biblical argument to make (which would still be weak but it'd be there).

An ATM does not "change money" nor does it "lend money", it just gives you what is yours.

Stand alone atms in the UK generally charge you about £1.50 per withdrawal.

Incorrect, Jesus drove out the CORRUPT money changers. Those that were charging interest etc.

An ATM is generally a fair thing, it gives you what is already yours. Jesus drove out the CORRUPT money changers, and those that did business in the temple.

An ATM is not doing business. It is just there. Now if the atm charged fees you MIGHT have a biblical argument to make (which would still be weak but it'd be there).

An ATM does not "change money" nor does it "lend money", it just gives you what is yours.

It says nothing about whether the moneychangers were "corrupt" or not. He drove the moneychangers out. Period. Don't put a question mark where God put a period.

Incorrect, Jesus drove out the CORRUPT money changers. Those that were charging interest etc.

An ATM is generally a fair thing, it gives you what is already yours. Jesus drove out the CORRUPT money changers, and those that did business in the temple.

An ATM is not doing business. It is just there. Now if the atm charged fees you MIGHT have a biblical argument to make (which would still be weak but it'd be there).

An ATM does not "change money" nor does it "lend money", it just gives you what is yours.
It gives you whats yours ... usualy with a transfer "fee"

Incorrect, Jesus drove out the CORRUPT money changers. Those that were charging interest etc.

An ATM is generally a fair thing, it gives you what is already yours. Jesus drove out the CORRUPT money changers, and those that did business in the temple.

An ATM is not doing business. It is just there. Now if the atm charged fees you MIGHT have a biblical argument to make (which would still be weak but it'd be there).

An ATM does not "change money" nor does it "lend money", it just gives you what is yours.
No, but an ATM does charge you interest if you use a different card from the bank that operates the ATM (or the chain of banks)

Big whoop for the story.

Ah, thanks for the clarifications, Arthais101.

What a preposterous idea!

The only reasons to do that I could think of are

a) Bring more people (for the wrong reasons) into church

b) To charge 10% of every withdrawal going straight to the church.

No. I'm against that. Money shouldn't have that kind of place in a church.

Old ladies being able to get their pensions in safety in the moddle of the countryside after the post offices have all been shut down.

If Jesus is against that then he's a bastard
Well technically he is. God never married that Mary chick.

Well technically he is. God never married that Mary chick.
God's a playa.

Don't hate the playa, hate the game.

*thumbs up*
Alriiight.

No, but an ATM does charge you interest if you use a different card from the bank that operates the ATM (or the chain of banks)


Well technically more like "fee" than "interest", interest is percentage base...

Whatever, I'm not even christian, and couldn't care less if churches wanted to put a giant flashing buddy jesus on the pulpet that dances for nickles. Only that if we want to be accurage lets be accurate.

moreover the point was well made, if we start saying "the bible says so" as an excuse NOT to do things that are fundamentally decent, stand up, and good for our communities, then religion puts itself in a massive problem.

To say that old folks who may be shut ins except for going to church, who have a long way to go to another ATM shouldn't be allowed to get their money in church which might be the ONLY convenient place to go, simply because "god says so" suggests that neither god, nor the church, gives a damn about its community.

Well technically he is. God never married that Mary chick.

God was tired and worn out. So he spoke to St. Peter.

"You know, I need a vacation. Got any suggestions where I should go?"

St. Peter, thinking, nodded his head, then said, "How about Jupiter? It's nice and warm there this time of the year."

God shook His head before saying, "No, too much gravity. You know how that hurts my back."

"Hmmm," St. Peter reflected. "Well, how about Mercury?"

"No way!" God muttered. "It's way too hot for me there!"

"I've got it," St. Peter said, his face lighting up. "How about going down to Earth for your vacation?"

Chuckling, God remarked, "Are you kidding? Two thousand years ago I went there, had an affair with some nice Jewish girl, and they're STILL talking about it!"

What a preposterous idea!

The only reasons to do that I could think of are

a) Bring more people (for the wrong reasons) into church

b) To charge 10% of every withdrawal going straight to the church.

No. I'm against that. Money shouldn't have that kind of place in a church.

Read the article. Many banks are closing branches in rural england, making it very difficult for people, especially the elderly, to access their bank accounts. Many elderly also go to church regularly, and only have access to those nearby resources. This would combine the two.

It says nothing, NOTHING about taking a tithe from it.

And your "a" is just preposterous. Bring more people into the church? It's not a bloody slot machine, there's no damned blackjack table, who the hell would go to church simply because that church affords them the joy of accessing...their own money?

Read the article. Many banks are closing branches in rural england, making it very difficult for people, especially the elderly, to access their bank accounts. Many elderly also go to church regularly, and only have access to those nearby resources. This would combine the two.

It says nothing, NOTHING about taking a tithe from it.

And your "a" is just preposterous. Bring more people into the church? It's not a bloody slot machine, there's no damned blackjack table, who the hell would go to church simply because that church affords them the joy of accessing...their own money?
Non religous little old ladies that live in a rural area that has their local bank branch closed?

Non religous little old ladies that live in a rural area that has their local bank branch closed?

So let them go, get their money, and leave. What's the harm in that?

So let them go, get their money, and leave. What's the harm in that?
I dont see any but that was the point of the quoted protester it will bring them to the church to get their money

They may or may not stay ... but they will go

I dont see any but that was the point of the quoted protester it will bring them to the church to get their money

They may or may not stay ... but they will go

Perhaps. I took the poster when he said "into the church" as in "into the flock", not necessarily into the physical building. As in it would attract people to the faith....

Will some use this service who are not part of the church (assuming the church allows them?) Will some stick around even after they have their money? Maybe...

Do I think that this is the motivation? Nahh

Somebody mentioned a church with an arcade, didn't they? What the flaming Moses?

Somebody mentioned a church with an arcade, didn't they? What the flaming Moses?

Now That's just what I said.

Somebody mentioned a church with an arcade, didn't they? What the flaming Moses?
that would be me.

It's a local church with "satellight" churches around the neighboring states, where the sermon is broadcasted to them via internet connection.

There are 3 branches in the city, the one a few miles from me has

1 a coffee shop
2 an arcade
3 a restruant (diner type)
4 a bookstore
5 a kids club (complete with a ball pit and sprinkler garden)
6 a school
7 a gym
and yeah ATM machines

my friend (I use the term loosely) goes there, she says "we go to church for everything" and they do, almost (no doctor's office or grocery store)

My church has some stuff, but not like theirs.........

we have Bible Studies, social groups, a sand volley ball court, a ping pong table, a gym (like the basketball kind, not the olymic sized pool, and treadmill kind that the other one has), a preschool program, homeschool co-op, and a grocery co-op..........but then again my other friend goes to a church that has Sunday service and that's all, so she thinks we are weird.

Incorrect, Jesus drove out the CORRUPT money changers. Those that were charging interest etc.

An ATM is generally a fair thing, it gives you what is already yours. Jesus drove out the CORRUPT money changers, and those that did business in the temple.

An ATM is not doing business. It is just there. Now if the atm charged fees you MIGHT have a biblical argument to make (which would still be weak but it'd be there).

An ATM does not "change money" nor does it "lend money", it just gives you what is yours.

Most ATMs charge fees for use, and so does the bank your money is with when you don't use their ATM.
Your justification is a a bit shaky.

So let them go, get their money, and leave. What's the harm in that?


Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's?

Most ATMs charge fees for use, and so does the bank your money is with when you don't use their ATM.
Your justification is a a bit shaky.

Outside of the religious bunk, this would mean that the church would be providing a valuable service to the community and helping out oaps. Surely no god could have any beef with that?

Leviticus 25:37 Thou shalt not give him thy money upon usury, nor lend him thy victuals for increase.

that would be me.

It's a local church with "satellight" churches around the neighboring states, where the sermon is broadcasted to them via internet connection.

the preacher is so good that people would rather watch him via internet than have a live preacher in their own church??

there is a "mega-church" not far from my church that has 3 ATM machines in the church, 1 in the coffee shop, 1 in the restraunt, and 1 near the arcade.........

do I have a problem with this? sure, but I have a problem with the whole "mega-church" trend.

I was somewhat disturbed when visiting my current church to find out that they had a merchant account........but I got over it, it's so much easier to pay online with my debit card ;)


I agree. Stupid mega churches. They are not churches, but rather social gatherings. -shakes fist angerly-

Anyways, back to the topic at hand, I hope God destroys that church, just so I can laugh at the stupid hypocritical Christians, as they wonder why God would let their precious church to be destroyed. Thats just me though.

the preacher is so good that people would rather watch him via internet than have a live preacher in their own church??
each "branch" has it's own pastor(s) but yeah, they broadcast the Sunday morning service on the internet, you can even download podcasts, and do auto withdrawl of your tithes so if you didn't want to go to church you don't have to.



Anyways, back to the topic at hand, I hope God destroys that church, just so I can laugh at the stupid hypocritical Christians, as they wonder why God would let their precious church to be destroyed. Thats just me though.
ah, the irony :p

To what extent is donation voluntary when you are being pressured to give by the congregation from one side and have the means to immediately donate thrust under you from the other?

Sounds to me like the CoE is taking notes from Scientology.

Didn't Jesus have a fit because of money-changers in the Temple in Jerusalem? *checks* Yup, he did.
Coz they were on his turf, innit? Jesus ain't takin' no shit from no ho.

:p

To what extent is donation voluntary when you are being pressured to give by the congregation from one side and have the means to immediately donate thrust under you from the other?

Sounds to me like the CoE is taking notes from Scientology.
Probably put the machine up front so everone knows you are taking a big amount out but only giving a little

each "branch" has it's own pastor(s) but yeah, they broadcast the Sunday morning service on the internet, you can even download podcasts, and do auto withdrawl of your tithes so if you didn't want to go to church you don't have to.

he must be an incredible preacher. i dislike megachurches on principal but this goes way over the top. if i had broadband id download on of his sermons just to see how it could possibly be worth it.

he must be an incredible preacher. i dislike megachurches on principal but this goes way over the top. if i had broadband id download on of his sermons just to see how it could possibly be worth it.
to me he isn't, but I know him personally, I used to attend church with him before his big "awakening" when he started his own church.

I don't see the problem. If Churches are going to be there, they might as well do something useful. Not enough Cash Machines around these parts anyway.