MINISTRIES AND GREED
In current society, it is despicable and tragic how religion has
become interwoven with money. It is an utter catastrophe, and has
led to the ruination of the most spiritual ideas of faith. Greed
has corrupted, most thoroughly, the entire structure of most organized
religions, whether they be giant, international religions or minor
microcults. The church is thoroughly rotten with greed. Often,
the actual measure of a church is its size, and churches have come
to resemble shopping-malls.
The life and ministries of Jesus were far different. He did
not even think it important enough to build a physical church or
even mention the idea. The scriptures say, however, that even in
the very nonmaterialistic ministry of Jesus, he and his disciples
did carry a donation-box, out of which they lived. The poor followers
of Francis did the same. As in the time of Jesus, money is a necessary
evil. (1 Tim. 6:10) Not that money itself is evil; it isn't. But
the ancient Christians did believe that the "love of money" was
a "root of evil." . Sure enough, every war, many acts of
torture, stealing, lying, betrayal, and murder are usually connected
with this evil "love".
So, we renounce money as a goal of any truly sincere attempt to serve
God (Love). For Jesus said, "You cannot serve God and money." Some
translations render this verse, "You cannot serve God and riches." Either
way, its intent is crystal clear: You cannot, must not, divide your
timenergy between God (Love) and money. And we have no intentions
of ever doing so!
We renounce all riches as an "alternative god" to the real
God, the God Who is Love! At Love Ministries, we have never sought
to make any kind of "profit" on spirituality, and vow that
we will never attempt to do so. Our seminars, lectures, and personal
interviews and work with students and clients have always been offered
free of charge, and we vow to keep this policy in place. Also, our
email work, client sessions, telephone work, and distribution of
other educational materials are free. And we promise to keep it so.
Sadly, we have had to charge clients, students, and the public for
some of our educational materials. Books are larger than the free
printed materials that we provide, and we have been forced to pay
for the printing of these. But we have never made a penny's profit
on any book. We sell them for exactly the cost that we must pay for
them, for we do not want to profit on spirituality.
To see spirituality as a "market commodity" is to reduce
it to the level of material objects. And spirituality is never for
sale, at any price! Nor should it be, under any circumstances!
The Master Jesus was no fanatic. He took a moderate position. He
did not call his followers to poverty. But, on the other extreme,
he actually discouraged the popular quest for unlimited wealth. When
a rich man expressed a desire to follow him, Jesus said, "Go,
sell all that you own, and give it to the poor; then follow Me." (Mark
10:21)
This was not a literal command, so that we have to follow it. But
it was a giant test of the man's sincerity. To "sell everything" is
to let go of the heart-entanglement with riches, the obsession with
material wealth- as common in ancient times as it is today. For this
path makes greed (fear) your master, and fear is Love's opposite.
But this does not mean that money itself is "bad." We all
need to live and to do anything in our world. So, at present, Love
Ministries is reaching out for your help. Because of our belief in
simplicity, some minimalism, and our anti-materialism, Love Ministries
does not have any money for even the best causes. We now have discovered
precisely such a cause: For the first time in history, we have a
chance to get a one-hour, weekly, phone-in show on wcky. But this
requires funding, as radio-time is not available for even the most
healing, positive messages free. So, we ask of you, most sincerely,
to contribute as widely as your own life will permit to this fine
cause. Please do so as soon as possible, as there are some time-deadlines
involved. Please contact me re any questions, at: rmfrancis@juno.com,
and please make checks payable to: Love Ministries, Inc.,
and mail to: 5100 Liberty-Fairfield Rd. Liberty Township, OH 45011.
Click here to make a donation via PayPal
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Thank you for your kindness. We feel that our spiritual message can
save sanity and peace in our community, It can create and enhance
harmony and increased communication. It can facilitate forgiveness
and Love.
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