Quote Originally Posted by Deborski View Post
Sounds a lot like the way America's most wealthy people live. They are in a world completely separate from the majority of us who can barely scrape together enough money to pay our mortgages, keep the electricity running, and feed and clothe our children.

It seems to be a human condition that wealthy people like to FLAUNT their wealth rather than help their neighbors. And while I certainly agree with the sentiment of "render unto Caesar what is Caesar's" - unfortunately, at least here in America, it is the Christians who tend to be the biggest opponents of paying their fair share! They are the judgmental ones who live high on the hog and show off their mansions and fine clothing, while judging those who have not been as fortunate and doing everything in their vast power to take away the few scraps and social nets the poor have to cling to. And then they have the audacity to claim that taxes which pay for social services are a form of "robbery." Their motto seems to be "I got mine, screw you."

The wealthiest Russians made their millions during the 1990's by buying up all the factories and state-run stores and then investing their profits to make even more, while neglecting to help those who were starving and dying during the economic crisis. And where did they have the money to invest in the first place, I often wonder...
Yeah exactly. What these Russians and some Americans are forgetting though, is that it's a bit tacky to flaunt your wealth too much if you have it. It's much more stylish to be understated about it. "Noblesse oblige" and all that. I'm not saying that I think old money is somehow better than new - I don't like uber rich people either way. But it's particularly bad if they rub it in other people's faces and are vulgar about it.

As for American Christians (the right wing people) I think they are nuts -- they mix up their politics with religion, and they don't even get it right. Where in the bible does it say that people should carry weapons and go bankrupt if they get sick?
It's obvious from the gospels that Jesus, while not a revolutionary or political activist, was in favour of social equality, inclusion and helping the poor. Acts and Paul's letters are really clear that the disciples as well as the early church were practically living in communes with no private possessions; sharing their incomes between them. Sometimes I wonder whether these right wing Christians in the USA are reading some other bible than me. I don't know where they get their crazy ideas from. They are living in a modern day Sodom and Gomorrah spreading it's values by every means available force across the world since WW2. Serving Mammon... and at the same time pointing fingers at Russia, the EU and demonising Moslems. And for people so keen on seeing the Apocalypse/Armageddon just around the corner, I'd be VERY careful to start any new wars in the the Middle East, rather than cheering them on and many of these Christians seem to be doing. [end rant]

sorry I'm being a horrible today, I have a headache and I have served Mammon all day today myself...... And it's giving me a very hard time.