As a poor mother of nine children I have never been insulted by the beauty of our Catholic Churches. Why shouldn't God get the best we poor human beings can offer? I live by Chicago and I feel blessed to have seen many of the most beautiful Catholic churches in the world. All of them built by poor Catholic immigrants whose hearts were in the right place . They not only built them for love of God but for their whole community to come together to worship and enjoy the beauty that surrounded them. I can't enter any millionaire's mansion and enjoy their possessions, but anyone can enter a Catholic Church . When I was in Rome there were people from all walks of life enjoying the beauty of the Sistine Chapel . Many of us had tears in our eyes. I'm sure not all of them were Catholic yet they were allowed to share the same experience. The Catholic Church's riches belong to everyone.
susan palos; Great post.I love Holy Name Cathedral in downtown Chicago sure miss that deep dish pizza great city! the boat tours in downtown Chicago when explaining the Jesuit explorers of the city was pretty good.
susan palos - thank you for your beautiful words. I too feel uplifted by such beauty in our Churches and yet my Protestant friends would have me feel guilty and full of sin. I went to a convent school for 10 years where every building was simple, except the Church. Local craftspeople helped to create it. The nuns made the most beautiful embroidery for it. We kids were responsible for a flower garden from which to decorate it. We lived and ate simply but delighted in going to Mass in our beautiful Church every morning and evening to pray to God (and where villagers and guests were also free to attend). I refuse to ever feel bad over that.
susan palos I feel you. My family’s not that well off either, but we didn’t ever feel insulted by the beauty of our Catholic Churches. On the contrary, anyone would just feel amazed and even cry of their beauty. I also thought, well, why don’t we, God’s children give Him the best we got, a beautiful place of worship for Our Lord. I’ve always loved our Catholic Churches. I do remember as a young child, every Sunday mass, I would look up at the high ceilings of our local Catholic Church, and my eyes would just wander off, and look at the beautiful details above. Even the chandeliers look mesmerizing in the gleaming light. And if God permits, you’ll sometimes see some birds above that would fly going from one spot to another, and then you could hear their sweet tweets. For some reason, those things gave me some peace of mind, just little things that you appreciate in life. I guess that is why those things have been stuck with me and remained with me until now, just another young child’s memory of her experience in a Catholic Church.
Practically speaking, if the church sells off all its masterpieces, they would end up in the hands of private collectors and the public would never see them again.
Two words -- the Renaissance. The Basilica of St. Peter is historical and priceless. In Exodus God provides the craftsmen and artisans to make the tents, the artifacts and the tabernacle to house the Ark of the Covenant. No expense was spared and the people paid for it. No one would have dreamed of selling it for any amount of money to feed the poor. It was their salvation and God provided the food.
Albert Most You mean the Ark don't you. The Ark housed God's law and it was housed in the Tabernacle and it is where the presence of God came down once a year, sometime more, and where the Hebrews worshiped Him, gave alms worthy of repentance and where they confessed their sins. The Ark was made of wood and overlayed with gold--the gold the Egyptians gave the Hebrews shortly before their exodus from Egypt.
+Beatrix Phocas exactly and it was the temple and the Levites that collected the tithes and out of them provided for the poor. People are just ignorant. No other church has given as much as the Catholic church. They have built hospitals, provided incalculable amounts of charity for the poor. Invented the university system and Thomas Kempis and the brothers of common life basically educated the children of all of Europe through their church and monastery schools. European / Western Civilization is the product of the Roman Catholic Church this is a demonstrable fact.
thats just ridicoulous, your basically asking people to sell an ancient and a powerful building full of history worth a thousand years at least just for money, though yes it would go to the poor, there is still gonna be poor people, selling this building isnt gonna end poverty forever, it will come again as society has it's struggles. in fact, who are you gonna sell it to? who has the trillons of dollars to buy this historical landmark and for what purpose? people need to be skeptical on the buyer then, if the buyer dares destroy some ancient monument of the building, that will cause a major outrage.
Albert Most , Your still on the treadmill, going round and round. Selling "A" from the Catholic Church's holdings to "B" and forwarding all funds to " the needy" doesn't assist anyone or entity in the near future, only the immediate future, then it's gone. Now "B" has "A". Why don't they sell it to help " the needy"? Is it because that may not be in thier best interests? Well of course. Where do you think $ comes from to ACTUALLY assist the needy? It isnt all from collection plates. There are not enough collection plates , never mind as we,the vast majority of people that give do not have much to give. That is where other holdings ,stocks, bonds, securities, tax shelters, rent, lease funds come in,to play . Monies from these and many other investments go back into Church communities. Such as hospitals, schools, orphanages, daycare, food banks, and on and on and on. You can say " Oh, no that's not true,.............." as often as you like. It does not change the actual TRUTH of the matter. I KNOW FIRST hand. I was diagnosed 25 years ago at Bon Secours hospital, a Catholic hospital, with MultipleSclerosis. I spent 14 days in and 2 years one to three times a month for treatment. Since then I can't count how many times. For this example though my bills for that one stay and 2 years treatment totaled over $327,000.00 . My rx alone was $2500.00 a month. I was 22 and of course had no insurance, I was barely paying my college tuition with Grants and loans as it was. They paid the entire bill . Would you do that?Would "B" investors do that? Not likely. My husband was adopted at 1 1/2 years of age from a Catholic run orphanage. His adoptive parents could not afford the high fees associated with most adoption agencies. They paid only for the court name transfer. I could mention many more relevant instances. There is not a need. While I'm sure corruption exists , much more good cones out of it. I also know there is much more good from "A" keeping thier holdings than "B" purchasing them for a one time payment. This logic is fairly universal for any group holding also vested in a community or commune effort. Save the polar bear, leopards,rainforest,etc. It is based on proven financial models with the financial results actually showing real Person results. I was not a Catholic, nor my husband's family. It did not and does not matter as far as receiving help when you need it.
@@andrewsapia also burned 'heretics' at the stake, two being Michael Servitus, William Tyndale; burned bibles by the thuosands when printing began and the bible was becoming available to the common folk
This question bugged me too as a Catholic until I went on pilgrimage to the Vatican. I saw many groups, people visiting from all over the world. I realized then that they all belonged to God's family and Mother Church belonged to all. The art depicting the love, worship and religious ideas over the centuries in life of the Church was there for all to enjoy, as aids to understanding the sacred. And it was accessible. If these were to be sold as mere art pieces, they would all be scattered into collectors' vaults and privacy, never to be accessed by the people. Besides, how could you sell blessed objects? Also, Is this same question being asked of other magnificent places of worship, Buddhist, Hindu, Islamic, Shinto etc temples around the world? I mean theres priceless antiquity but these are places that have a purpose that transcends materialism.
What about the ones who cannot even afford the bus fare, so we only look after those that could travel to the Vatican, it is vulgar the property deal losing millions whilst 10s of thousands in the world die of hunger from the lack of even a bowl of soup. Rather than admit to their sins of abuse they paid out Billions to cover it up, as a catholic I say it is a den of filth and that far removed from God it will lead to destruction.
"Beauty will save the world". - Dostoevsky “I have food to eat of which you do not know; My food is to do the will of him who sent me, and to accomplish his work.” - Jesus Christ, John 4:32, 34
@@liannesadler5771 good book that talks about this thorny issue is To Speak Well of God: An Exposition of the Book of Job, by John Pople, available on Amazon
Bishop Barron, I would just like to offer some words of affirmation here. I've followed your videos for awhile now, and can't imagine it's easy being bombarded with the unkind words - even hostility - that anonymity appears to encourage in virtually every video uploaded. It takes courage (and immense spiritual formation) to defend one's faith, and on a platform so public as well. Courage that I'm ashamed to say I lack in such occasions myself. Thank you for your patience, wisdom, and for teaching us Catholic Christians to always respond, in arguments of this nature (and all, in fact), with love and in truth. I think these virtues, as much as the astute observations and reflections themselves, have been a source of inspiration for myself and many who have viewed this series of videos. I will keep praying for men like you to keep doing God's work joyfully, and proclaiming the Good News. God bless. Sincerely, A young Catholic from Singapore
Bishop Barron, I've been watching your videos as well and have been scrolling through the comments. It saddens me that so many people attack the child-abuse scandals. I wish I could respond to some of those attacks but I am young and still have lots to learn about my faith. God bless you!!!!!!!!
@@BishopBarron Why do you have a golden watch, no offense i agree on beautiful churches but i always thought that priests not talking about bishops should live humbly.
But friend, Jesus didn't preach in a mega-church or live in a parsonage or teach in a university or go on TV asking for money. And these are all things that evangelical Protestants do all the time. My point is simply this: we can't reduce Christian life to a simplistic imitation of the historical Jesus. Starting from the seed of Jesus, the church has grown and developed in all sorts of ways.
We in America can't imagine the misery of ordinary life hundreds of years ago. Sewage, small huts, shabby cloths, you name it. But once a week, EVERYONE could enter the most beautiful place in the area.
@@Aristotle-nj3pi What doe you mean abolishing the New Covenant Passover? The Covenant Passover was made by Jesus when He said the first Eucharistic Mass at the Last Supper. We do this in remembrance of Him every Mass
Imagine a world without beauty, and instead only utilitaristic buildings and no art, no antiques. Beauty feeds the soul, that is why we love art. Walk through the cities, churches of Europe and you will be inspired.
I wish we still built churches and cathedrals that were meant to last 1,000 years or more. The splendor and majesty of Catholic churches is one aspect that attracted me to convert to Catholicism.
@catguy00 Well, only God's wisdom is infinite. But yes, the church is the repository of 2000 years of revelation, insight, theological reflection, the witness of the saints, etc. You should have the humility at least to hear what the church is saying.
God needs absolutely nothing. And that is why the glory we give to him always redounds to our benefit. As for Bible verses, think of the ones about the woman, criticized by Judas, who broke the jar of expensive ointment and anointed the feet of Jesus.
'I have seen a grievous evil under the sun: wealth hoarded to the harm of its owners' Ecclesiastes 5, 13. And this came from someone who apparently was blessed with great riches. Apparently there is something else which rebounds a garden rake when it's stepped on (although this may not happen in real life). Also our righteous acts are like filthy rags, obviously it's a matter of preference if it is a benefit that these come back to us. Also if you only offer glory to God for your own benefit it seems to be a bit self righteous. Also in Matthew 26, 6-13. I don't believe Jesus was telling people to hoard wealth until he comes back. As can be seen by Matthew 18 in the case of the 'Rich Young Man'. And Matthew 6, 19-22
@@applecorera4 That doesn’t apply to our clergy because they don’t own anything, and they don’t care to either. I can’t speak for them, but I see that they have no sense of attachment to worldly things. Go to a Catholic Mass. Any Catholic Mass before you start judging that which you don’t understand or have even tried to understand. So many of you are so quick to point and leer, yet are completely unaware of the sheer magnitude of the good work the Church has done, and continues to do.
Thank you Bishop Barron for your videos, I am currently in RCIA. last week was the Rite of Acceptance I thought it was amazing. These videos you make have helped sharpen my intellect as a Christian but also help me grasp much about Catholicism. My first impression of Pittsburghs Diocese was that it was beautiful and that it had to take a lot of time and money to build. I often too wondered if that money could have been spent better elsewhere. Thankfully to a few people I've come to realize that that beautiful church was there for me. I believe that God loves me personally. So all of those beautiful paintings and statues etc. were put there for me as well as everyone. To sell these beautiful items for money to give to the poor seems more wasteful of a beautiful object then to keep it. The poor can go and visit these beautiful places and see these amazing works of art. The question the man in the video asked "Shouldn't they be given to the poor" would a poor person be less poor if they had a statue or painting from that church? Or could they be richer for joining in the community of people who come together to be amazed by the beauty of it? It is obvious that a lot of money is spent on buildings and other things for the church, but just because I can't take it home or eat it or sell it for money doesn't make it any less mine than anyone else. I'm trying to make a point I can't seem to get too and now I'm rambling. Anyway thank you again! I am grateful for you!
GOOD POINT SEAN. Much the same thing is that we citizens do not expect Governments to sell off museums and other facilities to repay their budgets. Churches are as much as history as well as places of worship. My church in Australia is the ONLY greenstone church in the world. A beautiful historical structure which now needs restoration, but no one would build today due to costs as well as lack of superb tradespeople. Blessings from the land of Oz.
The Catholic Church gave me a free twin size bed when I filled out an emergency assistance form at a Saint Vincent store. The Deacon from Saint Mary's parish came out to evaluate my situation and the bed was delivered. It was really nice of the Catholic Church and I'm not Catholic and they helped me. My only disappointment was when I went into the Saint Vincent to look at the twin size beds, I thought I was getting the soft mattress. The staff explained to me that the bed I was getting was hard and firm and that it hadn't been delivered to the store yet to give to me. I didn't have a money to buy a mattress topper for it so I slept on it for a year with a $20 peice of foam on top that I got from the hard ware section of another store. When I started attending Catholic services at Saint Mary's a couple years later, they told me that sleeping on a firm hard bed from their church was good penance. LOL Anyways, the Catholic Church does help people. Maybe not as much as people would like but they do help people. In one town near by a parish called Saint Edward has a Vincent store in their backyard where everything is free to the poor but you have to provide a peice of mail proving that you are a resident of that town. It's disappointing because I needed clothes but I was temporarily living with my sister and wasn't receiving mail at her address in that town. I had to go to The Assembly Of God to get clothes because they don't ask questions there. But years ago when I was a resident of that town, they did help me. There is a soup kitchen that I've been to many times called Saint Mary's Soup Kitchen where the homeless and low income eat for free. The soup kitchen is located inside of Saint Mary's parish, the same place that interviewed me for the bed. In the town I live in now a parish called Saint Helen's parish puts together sacks if food that low income students in high school or middle school can take home with them on the weekend. There is a bin if people want to donate food to the program.
Him Bike that “business plan” involved the brutal murder of hinders of thousands of innocent men, women and children ... yes children during the inquisitions and the crusades. Jesus would be appalled at the abuse of the very people he wanted to protect.
Of course God made the angels. But some of the angels fell from grace through their own free will. All creatures are connected to one another because they share a common father, but some are ordered by will to that Father and others against.
Another argument is that the money spent on these riches didn't just disappear. The building of a new cathedral for example gave everyone in its vicinity work. All the miners, farmers, craftsmen and artists who directly or indirectly participated in the creation of those cathedrals got paid for their work. They, in turn, spent this money again on things other people had created and so forth. So in the end, all of the money went back to the people. Especially back in the middle ages and in the renaissance, most businesses were in the hands of normal families, so it's not like the money went into huge multinational corporations or something.
dude wtf are you talking. Of course money doesn't disappear, but what people are saying is that the Church should sell their riches to feed the hungry and build houses and schools. Matthew 19:21 Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
Your Catholic congregants are dying of poverty and starvation in Africa whilst you are sitting on wealth, I wonder if you really are doing God's work.... because Jesus himself never took gold from people even though he did miracles... Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God....
In my country we have many Missionary School of the Catholic Church that provide free education for poor children and also free meal during lunch, we also have orphanage for the orphans, mercy home for the old people and many more these places allow for all poor people Catholic Protestant non Christian who ever want to come they are all welcome this is the reason why the Church of Christ is called Catholic or Universal and and all the money come from different Catholic Churches which include the Vatican.
Why doesn't the Queen of England sell her jewels and vast land holdings and feed the poor of her own country? Men and women who are starving, living in cardboard boxes.
Give a man a ten bucks and you feed him for a day, give a man the catholic faith and you will fill his soul with hope and love in this life and the next.
Also many worldly riches in the Vatican were gifts through the centuries from heads of State. Much is in the museums, unsellable, but bring in much money from tourists and pilgrims, and much money from this IS used for charity all the time.
I believe the principle of creating beauty and richness of materials in architecture and vestments began in Israel's tabernacle and then in the temple of Solomon; much of it in direct instruction from God! I appreciate the bishop's words that it is good and right that our faith be expressed in loving service to humankind and in beauty and inspiring worship in love for God!
Jesus said to the rich: "Sell what you have and give it to the poor. God would say to all to glorify me not by your beautiful riches but by your acts of faithfulness and kindness. The poor need to be feed, not look at beautiful things.
Because you are speaking out of your human mouth not the bible. Someone hungry does not need to feed their souls with material things.The day of judgement the riches of the Vatican will not please our lord. I live down the street from a Catholic church and it disappoints me to see the gambling, festivals with alcohol and halloween being celebrating on church grounds. They even had a banner on the school playground fence "Raider tickets for sell". I spoke to a alder coming out of the church and ask what he thought of the sign and reminded him of the verse 11:15 - 17. Next thing I know the banner was gone. Amen
But friend, do you honestly think that the Sistine Chapel Ceiling, the Pieta, and St. Peter's Basilica serve absolutely no spiritual purpose? Do you think that these things have never lifted the hearts and souls of believers to God? I'm all for caring for the poor, but the Church also evangelizes and worships the Lord.
Marlo Cruise i don't know in which country you live in but in my country there are many Missionary School of the Catholic Church that provide free education for poor children and free meal for them, we have orphanage, mercy home for the old and many more this is free for all people Catholic non Catholic and non Christian who is in need this is why the Church of Christ called Catholic or Universal and all the money come from Vatican, so stop protesting others check out what did your church do to contribute to the poor and the need of the society
@@BishopBarron But friend, if you were to look at a starving child and tell him that you wont give him any food, but have a look at these cool paintings and ooh look at all this gold! This is a metaphor with which im describing the fact that the church could do muuuch more than it's already doing (wich is good)
Did u know apple iphone company they're getting around 70billion dollars profit in a year n Catholic church spend around 120 billion dollars in a year for charity....
You need to do your research, it is posted on the Vatican every year. In time we all will be judged. Stick to what the bible says. Stop the gambling, celebrations of Satan, and selling of goods on church grounds. Please read my earlier post. I see it everyday.
One can not serve two masters. St. Francis gave up his wealth and became poor for Christ. When the church lives within its means and carries out its mission for Christ money is necessary but when the church is consumed by its means and money is it means and mission then it is the anti-Christ.
Thank you bishop Barron for clarifying this. Through my life so many people have been pointing this out and I didn't know how to stand up for my church. Now I do!
@catguy00 The church relies, in regard to every issue, on evidence. The problem, I'm guessing, is that your sense of what counts as evidence is restricted to what can be verified through the scientific method. Reality, however, stretches far beyond the narrow range of what the senses can take in.
Bishop Robert Barron I don't know if this is the real you, but if it is I just have to say that I used to watch some of you videos at church while I was at bootcamp in Paris Island, South Carolina. I loved your videos
The bishop, exemplified by his limited perspective symbolized by wearing glasses, represents a shortsighted mindset. While Gold and God may appear similar with just one letter difference, substituting 'God' with 'L' perverts the meaning, creating a false deity. It's worth noting that the letter 'L' connects to the Semitic root 'EL' in the Hebrew Bible, symbolizing God. Moreover, the ego, inherently opposed to God, seeks to divide us and provides reasons to shun helping one another. The bishop's assertion that the church retains its wealth to maintain its wholeness overlooks that genuine completeness should be spiritual, driven by love, which embodies compassion itself. Furthermore, the bishop, the pope, and all humans are fallible. The actual reason for not distributing wealth often stems from a false sense of security and survival instinct. They fear losing their positions, which is diametrically opposed to blind faith. However, due to their humanity and misunderstanding, they are innocent in their actions.
I need the beauty of the church. Our community has two churches. One is 1980s modern Catholic, repurposing an old building, and the other is 175 years old, and much more large and open and Grand with vaulted ceilings. Guess which one people want to go to?
I think we have actually gone the other way and have lost the beauty of our churches so as not to offend the poor. You should go into His house and have no doubt in your mind that He exists, not to a barren place that could be any old protestant building.
May God the true God almighty creator of heaven and Earth have mercy on your soul... that Catholic building and gold and statue will not be there on judgement day.... I used to be Catholic I can no longer ignore obvious pedophilia, being condemned to hell, and praying to any other person besides God himself... That is all Happy Sunday 😊
For the glory of God, you give your best, it's God we are talking about, He deserves the best. Abel gave God the best he had, Cain on the other hand...Why would you not give your best to God? A Sinful Woman Forgiven 36 One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee's house and reclined at table. 37 And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, 38 and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were ya prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.” 40 And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he answered, “Say it, Teacher.” 41 “A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon answered, “The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.” And he said to him, “You have judged rightly.” 44 Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. 46 You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. 47 Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven-for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” 48 And he said to her, j“Your sins are forgiven.” 49 Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, k“Who is this, who even forgives sins?” 50 And he said to the woman, l“Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
Saint Lawrence said one time that the wealth of the Church isn't its gold, is Her faithful. Those who are faithful to Christ and His One, True Church are more rich than any object on Earth.
Right off the bat, this common question overlooks the fact that the Catholic Church is already one of the largest - if not the largest - provider of services to the poor anywhere on earth. Without selling off its cathedrals, the Church is already the largest non-governmental provider of healthcare in the United States. (I'm not sure about Europe). The Economist, hardly a Catholic journal, studied the church’s finances in the wake of the sex abuse scandal and discovered that out of about 170 billion dollars, approximately 57% went to healthcare and 28% went to schools. By the lowest estimate I could find, the Church accounts for 17% of the charitable services currently provided in the U.S. By the highest estimate, it provides 50%. Catholic Charities is the largest single group involved in refugee resettlement in the U.S. Plus, the Church employs about a million people. Selling off cathedrals would indeed amplify this impressive budget. But that seems like an awfully unnecessary step. The grandest cathedrals were mostly built seven or eight hundred years ago. Who's going to buy them? The state? Art collectors? The Russian mafia? Facebook? Oprah Winfrey? Walmart? Assets? The University of Notre Dame in Indiana, USA, produces far more assets (through tuition) than Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. In Europe, Catholic buildings were built with money donated by European aristocracy long dead or with tithes donated by individuals and communities because they wanted a church. Or they weren't built with money at all. They were just built. Most of these buildings were built by local craftsmen and decorated by local artists. And - let's be frank here - there's no particular “monetary value” attached to Chartres Cathedral, etc. In the U.S., the old churches were almost entirely built by immigrants in the 19th century who pooled their money and built impressive structures - partly as a “community center,” partly to make a strong statement that “we’re not ignorant Polacks and dagos. We know what beauty is. We’re just as good as you are.” The buildings were symbols of rising up in American society and out of poverty. They were also places that provided consolation for many poor people suffering from bereavement, pain and utter defeat. Saying that those churches shouldn't have been built or that the Church should “sell them off and donate the proceeds” to the poor may be well-intentioned but is incredibly misplaced. Those churches were mostly built by the poor, for the poor, anyway. Saying they shouldn't have been built is like saying “You poor immigrants don't have a right to beauty and you should have found a cheaper way to express yourself.” In Latin America, many churches were decorated with gold and silver mined by exploited labor. That's just part of history. But I don't see any real point in selling these churches off or tearing them down. Again, sell them to who? To the state? That means using taxpayer money. Newsflash: taxpayers fund the state. Why doesn't the state just put that money to charitable use directly instead of buying churches first? To corporations? To art dealers? Why don't they just donate the money to the cause you have in mind instead of getting a cathedral out of it? There's more than enough money floating around the world to take care of our social needs already without auctioning off Catholic churches into the bargain. But this misses the point that the Church has already sold off a lot of these old structures - or tried to. I used to live in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh once had Catholic churches every few blocks because it was a heavily immigrant city and European immigrants had huge families. Same goes for most of the urban Northeast and cities like Milwaukee and Chicago. Then, in the 1980s, the steel industry tanked. Pittsburgh lost about half its population. Parishes shriveled. The buildings were pretty grand, communities wanted to keep them open. But suddenly the upkeep was too much to bear. Some parishes had shrunk to fifty people or less, and old ethnic parishes no longer had so much of their ethnic “flavor” because those groups (Czechs, Slovenes, Croatians, etc) had fully integrated and had forgotten their grandparents’ language. They just weren't that important. A lot of Catholic parishes in Pittsburgh were completely shuttered by the Church in the ’80s and ‘90s. They're still being shuttered today, and the Church authorities are causing a lot of pain and hurt feelings in the process among people whose families have been part of that place for generations. This situation is ongoing despite the fact that Pittsburgh has mostly recovered from de-industrialization - rather spectacularly, in fact. Now what happened to most of those old buildings that were closed? They're just sitting there rotting. Few people want to buy them. Because what can you do with a hundred-year-old Polish church in western Pennsylvania? Some have been converted into apartments, but the shape of a church interior isn't usually conducive to that. And by the way… turning a church into $300,000 lofts? Hardly my own idea of helping the poor. I know at least two beautiful old churches in Pittsburgh - one Irish, one Slovak - that were desanctified, sold off, and turned into bars not many years ago. A lot of Catholics found that pretty offensive. What else could you turn these structures into? Restaurants? Gymnasiums? Concert halls? YMCA’s? Homeless shelters? Those might work out fine. The Sisters of Charity sold their gigantic girls’ school in Emmitsburg, Maryland, for use as the National Fire Academy, a place to train firefighters. That’s a legitimate re-use that honors the women who used to live there. But… strip clubs? Bars? Banks? Not likely. Obviously, the market is limited. There are some pretty grand Jewish synagogues and Protestant churches all over the world. A lot of them face the same fate. Yet you don't hear the nagging call for Jews and Protestants to sell off their places of worship, despite many of those buildings being just as elaborate as the average old Catholic building. How come? Because of anti-Catholic bigotry, the oldest unexamined and widely acceptable prejudice in the world. All of those nasty old anti-immigrant attitudes and “the Pope is coming to get us,” all that bogeyman stuff: it's still here, it's still around. It's just wearing other masks. Btw, Pittsburgh’s Altar Bar, the church-turned-nightclub…. Guess what? It's being turned back into a church. www.post-gazette.com/ae/music/2016/06/16/Altar-Bar-in-the-Strip-will-close-this-summer-pittsburgh/stories/201606160141
You don't have to choose, my friend. You can do whatever you think is right. I just say as a former Christian that I think Jesus teaches giving to the poor more than building massive cathedrals and buying land (if he does the latter at all). I would ask this, which glory has more meaning, moral or aesthetic?
I'd say 1. Most of her wealth isn't cash, rather old artifacts. 2. I mean, when you have the body and blood of christ in your hands, why not present it on something respectful. It's like a sacrafice. One offers their best quality for God. 3. Because giving doesn't always help the poor. It doesn't teach em. Besides, there are thousands of organizations who already do that and we still have poor people. 4. Uh...the catholic church is the greatest spender in charity. She owns the most orphanages, hospitals, schools, out of anyone. I'd say shes doing her part.
1) Are you unaware of the concept of "selling"? 2) This is the dumbest thing ever said. You don't respect God by wearing fancy clothes, you do it by praying and donating to charity. 3) Okay, then pay teachers to teach them, or use that wealth to build schools. 4) It doesn't matter that the Church already gives a lot in charity. If it can give more, it should. It's impossible to justify hoarding hundreds of tons of gold while people starve to death.
@@freshrockpapa-e7799 1. Sure but most of the churches funds come from donations and drives. Theres a church i occasionally go to who puts in their newletters how much they earned from what and how they spent it or plan to. Another parish i go to (where i was confirmed at through rcia) asked for donations regarding the priests to were from Slovakia and needed help staying here legally. 2. this is because you dont have the same expectations and beliefs that us catholics have. Consider this. The catholic church teaches that she is the ambassador to God. Many states go to her to seek approval on matters and diplomacy. Just as a diplomat will wear a suit, so should an diplomate of the church wear his. It's not like priests are wearing Gucci belt buckles and rolex watches (*cough* like some churches). Also, us catholics believe at heart that jesus is present in the eucharist. We show respect by placing jesus in a suiting tabernacle. We know God desires cathedrals and worthy things bc he orders it. God commands moses to craft a golden arc to carry the commandments. He instructs david to build a temple. etc. 3. We do. The catholic church is the largest provider of non-profit schools, children hospitals, hospitals, orphanages, food banks and pantries, homeless shelters, and etc. We are the largest provider of charity. There is the St Vincent de Paul. 4. I totally agree with you. We are called to give and we can all give more. Many great saints are examples of it. When Pope Francis took the papacy, he chose the name "Francis" from the charitable Saint Francis of Assisi to show what type of pope he wants to be. And he's shown it since day one. He doesnt wear a golden crucifix on his chest, choosing the more simpler sterling silver one. He doesnt wear the traditional red shoes and goes with his simple ones. The pope has invested a lot for the homeless of Rome and refugees. Here is the issue tho. Gold itself isnt worth anything. It's the money it's exchanged for. There are 2 reasons it cannot be sold. 1. It will lead to fraud. Did you know when a pope dies, His ring is melted? Why? To prevent fraud. People will make fake copies and sell it for big time bucks. Same with some of these valuable items. Items are only worth what their demand is. 2. You may not understand but a lot of it is relics. Holy/blessed things. What the church is rich in is old money. Their cathedrals are grand bc they were built over many many years. They are on paper worth a lot but that isnt something you can sell. It's net worth. It's not like we have a swimming pool of coins we are swimming in. That doesnt exist.
Enemies of the catholic church always want the church to sell it's priceless art.They are a bunch of Judases who really don't care about the poor.Most of it are gifts.It would be like the Vatican regifting. John 12 4-6 4 Then one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, he that was about to betray him, said: 5Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? 6 Now he said this, not because he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and having the purse, carried the things that were put therein. Bill Gates would love to buy some Vatican art treasure and spend $ 1 billion dollars easily but several popes in the past have said if we sell it to you the faithful will never see this art again in Bill Gates home. Being a realtor I love architecture and have travelled all over Europe because of my catholic faith to see churches and cathedrals throughout Europe. One of the most interesting cathedrals is in Barcelona; Spain. Gaudi the architect stepped back on a busy street to admire his work when he was struck by his own dump truck. The Sagrada Família has entered the home stretch of construction. And it took only 133 years. Six new towers will soon be added to the (in)famous Roman Catholic basilica in Barcelona, bringing the total to 18 and-at long last-finishing the work begun by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí in the late 19th century. The tallest of the new towers will be 564 feet (172 meters) high, making the cathedral the tallest religious structure in Europe, says Jordi Faulí, the current chief architect. The building is now 70 percent complete and on track to be finished in 2026-the centenary of Gaudí’s death-though some decorative elements could take up to six additional years to complete.
At least Bill Gates has a conscious. He spends millions on education. Lets talk about molestations cases again your church. And how the church spends millions on hiding the guilty away.
People judge the Church on their outward display of riches. Yet almost no one would really suggest selling off all public monuments or buildings then give all the proceeds to the poor. Americans would revolt before the National Mall in Washington DC is auctioned off then the money be given to charity. Monuments, museums, and buildings are built not to show off wealth but to remember our history and the people in it, especially those who embody our greatest ideals. In the same way that Jesus did not discourage Mary the sister of Martha from washing his feet with expensive oil and instead chastised his disciples who suggested that the oil be sold and the money be given to the poor. There are many ways we can manifest our love for God. We honour him however we can.
"Yet almost no one would really suggest selling off all public monuments or buildings then give all the proceeds to the poor. " Huh, let's see what Jesus said. Matthew 19:21:Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
Most People in the first centuries could not read!!! The church used art to teach the gosple as we use stiry books to teach our young children about life!!!!
Why not both. Beauty and splendor do most certainly give glory to God. When you are inside beautiful churches you feel a reflection of the glory of heaven and the glory of God. But sure, why anoint the body of Christ when we can sell everything and give the money to the poor; I'm sure Judas Iscariot would approve wholeheartedly...
If you believe and give alms because you truly believe, that is great. There will always be people who give alms (donate to the church) for different reasons. I believe the vast majority give alms because they believe and want the message of God and Christ to be spread throughout the world, through the church. There will always be people who give alms for false reasons and they will have to answer to God on their judgement day.
He also said that with God all things are possible. the bible says that heaven is Gods throne and the earth is his footstool. God owns everything. It is worthy and fitting that we dedicate a portion of this beauty to offer him glory and praise. Read the old testement accounts of the instruction of the temple and the ark of the covendent by Gods own decree, gold and silver were used to Glorify his temple, it was donated by his people. One does not conflict the other.Peace to you, Mark
Loved ones who have lost they're lives, we don't just put them in the ground, throw soil over them and forget them. No, we place a marble headstone, the best we can afford with they're name on to commemorate they're life, where we can return to pay homage. Well, the Church is Christ's headstone, the best we can afford, to return to, to pay homage to his life the life he sacrificed for us. God is our father and Christ is our brother, we are family.
No, that's too reductive. I won't deny for a moment that there is real corruption in the Church and that sometimes people misuse the Church's wealth. But I'm going to resist the tendency to reduce all of Christianity to social justice. I mean, would you seriously recommend selling Chartres Cathedral, the Sainte Chapelle, the Sistine Ceiling, St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York, etc. etc? Beauty gives glory to God and feeds people's souls.
I love your videos but the Catholic Church has ALOT of money. You can't sell a ceiling and nobody is advocating selling churches, or religious artifacts. It's time for the congregation to eat and I'm not talking just about spiritual food. How can a government be expected to have compassion when the church is handing out beauty? The people fight for justice. We will have it.
@Reactionary Hermit I didn't say anything about raising tithes. The Vatican has a bank!!! Jesus said somethings about what should be done with riches and poor people. Perhaps he was a Marxist according to your definition. Congrats on your minimalist way of life. I am a black man in America. I don't need anything from the the Cathloic church. even a light weight review of the Popes and it is not good. That does not even have anything to do with the child rapes which was going on for centuries. They were even charging for blessings for sins to fund their bank. It's rough out there. Christians "im talking ALL Christians and Catholics" are not doing a good job ore representing Christ. I don't expect perfection from human beings but some of the stuff they hide is far worse.
Bishop Robert Barron with all due respect to you, the excesses of the church are clear and well documented. Not one single child should die of poverty while any one single member of the the clergy dine on expensive food surrounded in the splendor of priceless art. It’s as simple as that .... don’t put the churche’s lavish and excessiveness on glorifying God. Jesus specially spoke of these things when he referred to the Pharisees. If Jesus was around today, he would come overturn your tables and ask you to give what you have to the poor and the destitute.
@@marcnaidu5804 The Catholic church has the world's largest schools, colleges, charities, missionaries and hospitals in the world. They are literally the heart fo modern society and are doing more than you ever will. Why don't you start with giving all your belongings to help the poor? Start with your laptop and internet connection, hypocrite.
If the Church gave ALL of its money to the poor, how will the Church build more churches or give more money to the poor? I believe that the Church uses some of its money to invest on Italian companies or idk so they can make money and have more money to give.
Six billion five hundred million of earths inhabitants are not Roman Catholic. By the way many Catholics live, it is hard to say definitively that they are Roman Catholic either.
Why does he a bishop have a golden watch is that to honour God? In my understanding priest's, bishops and all other catholic people should be humble and live as Jesus did.
@@Kitiwake What? I am not sure a vow of poverty exists, that doesn't even matter one of Jesus's MAIN teachings was to be humble (im not even Christian and i know that). And as a representative of Christianity on such a level, you should at least try. I have no idea how gold helps or hounours God in anyway its just a stone as any other. In my opinion it is wrong, make up your own mind on it.
@@Kitiwake Matthew 19:21: Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” Idk man, the Bible is pretty clear about it.
Can the poor eat a painting? Can they drink a statue? The riches of the Catholic church already belong to the poor. All those beautiful painting and statues and buildings are for the poor and the rich and the middle class. They show the splendor of God which we all crave.
It seems to me that the people who complain the most about the Church misusing its funds are the people who don't give anything anyways. In Scripture, Judas did this exact line, asking Mary why she "wasted" the annointing oil on Jesus' feet instead of selling it and giving the money to charity. Jesus told him to shut his mouth because she was doing something nice and it was none of his damn business (paraphrase). Don't worry about how other people give glory to God. Worry about how YOU do.
That wealth and gold stuff is only as valuable as the artistic splendor that emanates from them, and the degree to which that artistry lifts hearts to God's magnificence. However, the true magnificence of God is like when you see one person help or rescue another person.
I think it was Pope Paul VI who said that the Magnificent Churches are really the only places left where you can see such works of Art for free whenever you go to worship.
@@nancyv4402 that has not happened in over 500 years. The point I was making is that giving away those riches today will rob the future generations less fortunate from being able to enjoy them.
James 5:3Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.
If the Catholic Church sold everything and gave the money to the poor, the poor will eventually be poor again as they're used to hand outs, would be back to square one and all the treasures would disappear into private collections.
I normally don’t comment, but I can’t believe the amount of crap that gets flung at the Catholics… well actually I can. I used to be ignorant too. Then one day I grew up, dropped my immaturity and fell in love with the grace shared to me and others by Catholic mission Priests and Nuns all over my country in the poorest, most rugged and isolated places. Not just their clergy but their congregations too. And just imagine all the work they’ve done and continue to do… worldwide. You can point and leer all you like, but words cannot express the uplifting experience one feels at any Catholic mass, anywhere. They don’t bag the $h1t out of other churches, and they’re as true as can be to the Scriptures. If you don’t think they are, you’ve got a lot more reading up to do.
Can someone tell me why our local Catholic church does not fund church ministries that evangelize people uninformed about the word of God? Not a single penny of the church donation's is given to ministries that represent that church
@billybagbom and @AngelAsmodeus It has to do with the Trinity. And part of the trouble with talking about the Trinity is that people see it as polytheism rather than monotheism. What needs to be recognized is that two questions are being asked at the same time. "Who is God?" and "What is God" Who is God? God is the Trinity; is love that is in action: relationship. The of what God is, is one God, one divine being who is.
@ torontoground: Have you read the part about Mary who washed the feet of Jesus with expensive oil? How about the woman who gave 2 pence as offering? Both are from the New Testament. Most of those "rich things" that the Catholic have are virtue of charity from the very people who believes in her. Those were offerings from the people because it's their way of showing their gratitude to God and it's why the Church shows them.
Fluent in Yapanese. Great job sidestepping the question. The better question would be, "How does the horde of riches of the Catholic church represent Jesus and His ministry?" It doesn't.
I don't know if these verses bears any relevance: "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean." Matthew 23: 25-26 Maybe this would be better at displaying the glory of God.
Your making it a choice, like the Church doesn't spend tremendous energy on helping the poor. God is a god of beauty - look at the construction of the tabernacle, or the temple, in the Old Testament. Are you going to say, they should have met up in a shack and given all that splendor to the poor? If so, you're going against what God commanded. What would you say about that? Be careful with carelessly slinging Bible verses around to demonize the efforts of others. Otherwise, check out John 12:5? How much have you given to the poor?
@@RK-dk5vt Thank's for taking the time to reply. I appreciate the feedback; even if I may not totally agree with your sentiments, as it gives me something to think about. The wider topic of how Churches allocate their resources is an issue that causes me some consternation. I will get back to you with a more definitive answer at some stage, however i'm a bit busy at the current time, also my mother has recently broken her neck (small fracture). However in the meantime in answer to your first question. Absolutely yes. Furthermore if the weather is good, is there even any need for a shack? Apparently some of the greatest sermons ever preached on this earth, took place in the open air. I don't know if you have heard of one preached on a mount and another from a boat in the middle of a body of water, to name but a few. I don't know about where you live but in most towns and villages, where I am from, there are several churches in each of them. Not to mention the one's out in the countryside. It also doesn't help with the proliferation of denominations. When God said go forth and multiply I don't think he meant it to be extended to Churches. As a matter of fact did the places of worship not start off in the old testament as tents, before the people settled to one area. Also you have to take into account how many people the temple catered for. Also is there a limit on splendour or should you just go all out. Also churches nowadays are a dime a dozen, therefore it's got a bit out of hand. Anyway where does it state that all Churches should try to emulate King Solomon? Also I think that trying to connect old testament temples to modern churches is like comparing apples with oranges. However if you could just clarify what you mean by 'what God commanded'. TTFN.
@@applecorera4 I think you are right on a few points, and you might be right about the allocation of resources. I think it comes down to: are churches and peoples allowed to evolve, and allowed to change (progress) or not? Should we meet in houses, as in acts, or did Jesus intend for the movement to grow and become multi-faceted. This is a dividing line, and where you stand on this will determine if you're more of an original baptist, or more of a catholic/orthodox. (sidenote: Think of what mega churches spend on buildings and equipment). My main point is that you seemed to pridefully point the finger at something you deemed wrong out of hand (correct me if I'm wrong). Maybe I did the same with my original reply; I don't know. I think Jesus was clothed in fine quality clothing, otherwise it wouldn't be written the soldiers gambled for the undergarment, which was seamless (not a rag). There is a place for quality and richness, although they can be dangerous. Furthermore, the splendor that is in some churches is there for all to see and experience, it isn't hoarded for personal gain. I went to mass last sunday in what looked like an old community library. Simple chairs, white room, very basic. Not every catholic church is beautiful. It's not either/or; it's both and. Now, that isn't to say the CC has always been perfect or even good with its resources, just that maybe it isn't for us to quickly condemn. May God bless you and your mother.
@@RK-dk5vt Thanks for responding. At least you seem more reasonable and more open minded than the last couple of people that I have got into a discussion with (BTW a Presbyterian Minister and a committed Atheist). I hope it’s an indication of your heart and not just because you’re being consciously sensitive because my Mother is unwell. It largely depends on what your personal view is for the purpose of Church. The `house for the people of God (meeting house)' or 'Domus Ecclesiae' format was probably mainly due to threat of persecution, so a more simple and covert approach of worship was required (as is the case currently in many non christian countries) However the development towards a more structured hierarchy and eventually a 'Domus Dei' or 'house for God' emphasis, in many ways similar to the temple (therefore switching emphasis more from people to the building). Also seemed to have brought with it over the centuries a raft of man made rituals and more of an emphasis on 'Religion' (ceremony and showing reverence towards God, rather than focusing on the Gospel). Which is still the case for many of the established churches today. I get the impression that in many cases the Church building is being treated like the holy of holies. Apparently in some countries Sunday worship last half a day and in some cases may be held in the open. I presume this a more informal style, as opposed to (from personal experience) an hour or so of a largely rigidly structured service with a bit of teaching added on at the end interspersed with a few hymns and prayers. I suppose it depends if the time spent is used wisely or not. Also you can have a passion for God, however if it is misplaced it can turn into a form of idolatry. Would spending over $1 billion repairing the Notre Dame cathedral really be the best use of resources to please God. Also the fact that it got largely destroyed in the first place (Apparently Churches can burn down to). At the end of the days is inherently just a building, much like any other. I don’t know if this could be related to Mathew 6, 19-21. Also from my understanding God is more interested in what is inside a person and not on their appearance etc. I would therefore assume that it’s largely the same case with Churches. The splendour could therefore in some cases cause a Distraction from what the true purpose of the Church is. Apparently it’s supposed to be more like a hospital for the sick, than a gathering place for saints. I get the impression that some people treat church like the holy of holies. But as long as the members grow into Christ and not the Church, which can sometimes be hard to distinguish, but each could well have vastly different outcomes. I would be deceiving myself if I said my concerns were solely limited to the RC Church. I see it as far more widespread especially in developed countries. In some examples locally over recent years, a new Church building was constructed at a cost of £1million, another costing over £500,000 and another with an updated church hall costing several hundred thousand. Others which I have seen, seem to be very well kitted out. In many case I don’t see what value they add. I would agree that some of the mega churches are more like big business with large resources and some of the leaders also happen to have a high level of personal wealth. Therefore there was no intention of pride or boasting involved on my behalf. It was more a case of constructive criticism. Coming from a Presbyterian background I am used to a more modest church building. My own Church was built in the 1800s. However there are plans currently underway to construct a new (and I presume more modern and fresh building). However it has been frustrated slightly due to plans by a group to list the current building. I personally see it as a bit of a vanity project. There is also a hall across the road that was refurbished a few years ago. I notice that the kitchen seems to have been finished to a high standard (for something that is only used to make light refreshments or when a funeral or other event is taking place). And also the actual Church building itself is only used a few times a week at most. Obviously the RC Church has more of a hierarchy structure and operates worldwide. Therefore it has access to a greater amount of financial resources. As opposed to other churches which are either limited geographically to a few congregations, or to only a few countries. In this respect there is more pooling of resources with the RC Church. Especially with the ‘Reformed’ tradition, if someone has a slightly different view of doctrine they just start their own Church, which then subsequently splinters as time progresses. In my nearby village there happens to be 3 Protestant Churches within a short distance of each other, with various other associated congregations also situated nearby. In some towns there are many more. Obviously when people had limited access to personal transport; when many of the churches were built, it necessitated the need for a church to be built near the centre of the population. However due to a combination of disaffection within the church, smaller family sizes and a general drifting away from the Church, particularly amongst the young. I assume that a lot of them are hardly ever near full capacity. Therefore it may well be better if some were amalgamated and others closed down (Not that it’s likely to happen). It may be the case with ministers (who serve multiple congregations) but not Churches. On the contrary with the RC Church everyone just attends the Church to which they happen to be associated with. Obviously it’s more efficient from that perspective. However it therefore doesn’t really encourage much alternative thinking (although possibly less pandering on the part of the church). And it could therefore be perceived as being Authoritarian. Obviously as I don’t have an in-depth knowledge, I don’t know if this is the case or not, but it is a danger and I have noticed some indications. catholicherald.co.uk/commentandblogs/2013/03/25/should-pope-francis-sell-off-the-vaticans-art-collection-and-give-the-money-to-the-poor-the-answer-is-an-emphatic-no/ In the above article it states that the artworks held by the Vatican are valued at around $17 billion. There is then a counter argument offered that this would only be a drop in the ocean at relieving worldwide poverty. I would say that it could help a large number of impoverished people and maybe even help some to have a better life i.e. a hand up rather than a hand out. Also if you take that same attitude to a selfish personal perspective you could argue that a few £/$’s a month or the odd larger one off donation isn’t really worthwhile (i.e. Charity begins at home). However it depends how much you value life or the quality of life. But then you also have to take into account that when money goes to Charity how much of actually reaches those in need. Apart from funding the administration of the charity, I’m sure there have been many historical cases where the money has ended up in the hands of a corrupt government, misspent or used inefficiently (I seem to remember a case where mosquito nets where being used to catch fish which then resulted in the pollution of the water). Although the RC Church appears to be directly heavily involved in Charitable outreach currently. I don’t know if this is partly motivated by the advancement of the Church in that area, also does their outreach extend to those of different faiths, or is it being targeted to growing RC communities worldwide. But as long as people are being helped it doesn’t really matter. catholicherald.co.uk/issues/february-17th-2017/a-worldwide-force-for-good/ As an aside in my Church today the Yemen crisis was mention in prayers, shortly after the taking up of the collection. I have browsed through our Church Reports and some of the money would be of more benefit to the Glory of God, going directly to Charity, than some of the ways it’s being spent at the moment. Therefore there may be more practical things that are of more benefit than just thinking about something. Also I have recently begun viewing a Christian station on television although the station seems to have some good output and serves a purpose in spreading Biblical teaching, it also happens to cost £15/min to keep the station running. This does seem overly excessive, I suppose it depends on how much you value a soul. However I would say most of the viewership are already Christian. It could well be a case of preaching to the converted. Not that it’s really important what Jesus looked like or what he wore, the more important thing is what he said and what he was sent to do. However as Jesus seemed to do a lot of travelling about in a dusty climate I wouldn’t think he would generally wear fine clothing. I am just after coming across this article which would seem to make sense and clarifies a few points. It may however just be confirmation bias. theconversation.com/what-did-jesus-wear-90783 I happened to come across a book on ‘Church’ by Jeremy Myers. Although I haven’t read it, the sentiment from the brief description seems sound. It also appears as if the author has found Jesus after leaving organised Religion (I dare say he would be probably accused of Apostasy by some of the more fundamental sections of Christianity - This seems to be the case with most people who question Religious authorities. However in many cases they just seem to be acting more compassionately. Ironically Jesus did the same thing and look where he ended up).
In my hometown in Michigan, the churches are fairly simple, and they are not adorned with gold. The greatest "adornment" is, according to our faith and tradition, is the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Christ in the tabernacle -- God is present here "Emmanuel" The gentleman's criticism is simply an attack on the Church. When people were illiterate for many centuries, paintings and frescoes told the story in pictures. The Catholic Church IS already the greatest social welfare organization of all time. The Church started hospitals, orphanages, schools, universities, etc to promote general welfare.
I like Bishop Barron. I like parts of this long answer. But he almost dodged the question, didn't he? After listening to all that. I want to ask the question all over again. He spoke of representation and drew a beautiful picture. The statement ' feed their eyes as well as their souls.' That's weak. How can the Catholic Church horde so much wealth, parallel to such poverty? They do a lot for them too of course.
+Artty 1975 Serbians, Jews, and the Roma were slaughtered in their villages after unspeakable tortures or burned alive in their churches. Those that were not murdered were expelled to Serbia proper after being despoiled of all their property or forcibly converted to the Roman Catholic faith by Franciscan and Roman Catholic clergy. Many were used as slave labourers. The remaining people were taken to concentration camps where the majority perished.
Churches, statues and pictures in the Vatican are properties of the Italian people, those masterpieces represents our history! There is nothing in the Vatican state that could be sold, unless the Pope wants a civil war of course. Too many pieces have been stolen and are now where they shouldn't be. If you are poor ask your country to sell its properties!
It is bizarre how people think the Catholic Church is so 'rich'. The Catholic Church runs 600 hospitals that care for the poor. It runs thousands of food banks in the USA that feed the hungry. It educates poor children in a morally thoughtful school system that consists of hundreds of schools nationwide. It maintains diplomatic offices in over 100 countries. This all takes money which is hard to come by in this secular world. In our parish it took over 5 years to get the money to fix the roof. The Pope doesn't have a big house - he lives in a two room apartment. The Pope doesn't own a luxury jet ,he has to rent a plane to travel to visit his congregation. Even though it took 5 years to get the money to fix the roof it was out of the question to even consider selling some of the beautiful artwork , craftwork and sacred imagery that has been part of our faith community here for generations. Our church buildings and chapels are a serenely beautiful respite for us in this materialistic world. Solomon knew this when he built the Temple.
Oh Catholics do have beautiful buildings meant to inspire and invoke awe and wonder of God's magnificence through craftsmanship and artwork but it would be foolish to destroy such beauty to buy someone a Big Mac meal when tomorrow they would be hungry again. Scripture tells us " *For there will never cease to be poor in the land* ; that is why I am commanding you to open wide your hand to your brother and to the poor and needy in your land." ( Deut 15:11) and the Holy Church has caring for these for 2000 years and continues this tradition today with Hospitals, food banks, scholarships, and schools.
Please go to one of the thousands of food banks run by the Church and get yourself a bite to eat then once your belly is full go to a beautifully crafted Catholic Church and give thanks to God for your fulfillment.
I am not even saying the catholic church should give away all their money but they should ditch the book that tells them to...you know the bible...eye of a needle? camel? Money lender in the temple? No? not ringing any bells?
Leviticus 14 does NOT speak about the cure of Leprosy. It speak of the making sure someone was healed from leprosy and the PURIFICATION of those afflicted by leprosy AFTER they were healed. If you remember the gospel Jesus cured several afflicted of leprosy and tells them to go to see the priests (to be purified). Leviticus 14, hence, tells how the priests should act if someone who had leprosy (which could be ANY skin condition) had been healed.
Selling the gold in a church could feed a village for a month, and solve no problem. Keeping the gold in the church could feed souls for thousands of years.
I'm not sure how a city festooned with gold speaks to the glory of God. I have no issue with the RCC, but don't see the correlation between riches and the glory of God. In Mark 14, Jesus says the poor will always be amongst us. This gentleman wanted to know why the institution has such riches and is not fully divested of them. Why does splendor have to be shown by artifacts? This is an issue people have with many institutions; not simply the RCC.
I was taught that Jesus said, " if you love me and follow me, you must give up everything".... I don't think that means keep your "riches" of the world first then follow me. (This is just my opinion.)
I think helping the poor and destitute would bring more glory to the name of God than the pope wearing bling. The poor may also need beauty but without food they won’t live to enjoy it..
Exactly. He never mentioned anything about an organised religion called "Christianity" even less so catholicism. He was looking for followers of his way of life not worshippers. The Catholic church took over the original church supposedly founded by the man referred to as st. Paul. Therefore nothing to do with Christ. Most of the modern Christian religions don't, except in name. The Quakers, technically a sect not an organised religion are one of the few groups that aim to emulate the teachings of christ as a living discipline and practise, minus the clap trap of most so called Christianity. All supernatural, literalist, exclusive and fundamentalist intrepatations of Christ teachings are hoax and complete distortions for psychological control of the masses. There are references in the bible about the majority being decieved and men who compass land and sea who'd wish to be called "father". Our current era is within what is called the end times in the bible. Not the end of the world like fundamentalists would have us believe, but rather the end cycle of nature before things start again in a new cycle. It's called the Kali yuga in Hinduism, Ragnorok by old Germanic tribes, and the age of the wolf in the Nordic sagas. Life/existence/civilisation goes through four major cycles, roughly - birth/growth - young age - maturity - old age/death Everything in this universe is governed and operating under natural laws and these epochs/ yugas are part of that.
@@jacoblucasgifts From Perennial/traditionalist philosophy writers such as Guenon, Schuon, Evola and many others in this category. Also writings from what's called Mystic or Esoteric Christianity, especially anything pre 1960s, before the advent of the new age movement which is a distortion and misinformation mix of Eastern Dharmic faiths like Hindu,Buddhist,Jainism etc. mixed with elements of Christian themes, but completely out of context from their original understanding and meaning. If looking into Dharmic faiths directly read the texts that have a commentary written by someone from that particular practise or is well scholared in it, like the aforementioned perennialists. Western writers post 1960s who have no background in the subject are not accurate and often try to pass information off as their own revelations when not true at all. The sign of a good overview book dealing with Eastern or western Spirituality is a complete reference list at bottom of each page and a comprehensive reference index at back of the book. Proof of where they have sourced the information presented, as there is no new philosophical/spiritual truths in the world. All actual truth meaning facts are unchanging, just like water is wet and continuously remains so. Truth is eternal. Hope this is useful to you on your search.
Bothers me too. Jesus if one thing was humble. Nowhere was a gold plated chariot or rich house found around him. He chastised the rich - _eye of a needle._ Nor does beauty translate to excessive lavishness. _Excessive_ wealth corrupts, financial scandals are to be found in the church. I do not mind nice surroundings but the limit lies where? Would it not profit a soul if the church and other religions (I detest the word compromise. I don't the church would or must away priceless things) make money and rest the _majority_ not in the church what have you but build up the needy and play its part erasing the scourge of poverty? Those priceless artifacts or buildings could be engineered to that end.
I am not protecting anything. I am just using my head. The internet has LOTS of resourcxes but many of these reseources are innacurate or even wrong. Even in education there must be some kind of guidance. Self-education can get you only so far.
