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Technosoul · Apr 1, 2006, 09:17 pm

Today they had this human interest story on the world report tonight (news) - channel 7.

It was about this chruch that is teaching people how to invest using the Bible for guidance, saying that all money belongs to God so we should invest it like He would want us to do.

The Preacher said "we know the Bible teaches that money is the root of some evils in this world'.

(Re: The love of money is the root of all evil) But he re-worded it a little in his sermon.

The Bible contains more refferences to money then it does to heaven.

So what they do is the research each company that they think would a good one to invest in. They boycott companies that might promote something evil. On the list are items like abortion, firearms, pork, same sex marrages (gay rights), or anything else that might be viewed by the invester as morally wrong.

And then they put faith in the idea they will make a profit on their investments while supporting companies that are 'relgiously correct' in their products or employee policies.

The reporter found that most of the investments made by the group were below average, relative to payback percentages, then the average (secular) investor would get. A few got high returns of the investments made, and a few did very poor or lost money. Basic random results simular to gambling.

However the Christians taking part in the Bible to Bucks program are happy in knowing that their investments help good companies instead of the ones whos activities or products they do not approve of - for Biblical reasons.

Thought that was interesting - comments welcome.

underbear1 · Apr 2, 2006, 12:00 am

Thought they were supposed to give all their money to the poor?

gallo · Apr 2, 2006, 12:56 am

Quote:

Quote by: underbear1

Thought they were supposed to give all their money to the poor?

No, no. The current concept is that the christian god rewards the faithful. Thus, wealth is a sign of high morality, and thus, god's favor. As long as one thanks god for the wealth, one is free to use it as one sees fit. The method of accumulation of wealth is not relevant to most christians, as long as one professes to be a christian. Even if the methods of accumulation are legally suspect, one can still be an exemplary christian, viz, Tom Delay.

tivodan1116 · Apr 2, 2006, 01:12 am

Quote:

Matthew, Chapter 19:20-26

20"All these I have kept," the young man said. "What do I still lack?"

21Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."

22When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.

23Then Jesus said to his disciples, "I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."

25When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, "Who then can be saved?"

26Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

It is unclear here what Jesus means by rich, although his definition of the "perfect" Christian is clear.

At any rate, "Christian" investing would not be investing at all... investment is defined and cannot exist without hoping to get something in return, usually money. Charity is doing something with no expectation of return. Christian investing would be doing whatever you honestly felt would help others the most, regardless of its effect on you. I doubt these works espouse this idea.

BTW, underbear, you're very negative on Christians, which knowing a few things about you from your posts, I can generally understand. But just so you know, some of us truly try to live the One Commandment (Love other people as you love yourself), and thus, cannot possibly align with the so-called "Christian Right", since they are missing certain verses of the Bible (like Matthew 25:40 - "whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

leftcider · Apr 2, 2006, 01:15 am

I wonder the minister put firearms were on the list of "morally bad" items... unless he's not your average conservative televangelist.

Morgan_Freeman · Apr 2, 2006, 03:18 am

Quote:

Quote by: underbear1

Thought they were supposed to give all their money to the poor?

No, just 10%. Read your scripture.

Apr 1, 2006, 09:17 pm	#1 (permalink) (top)
Technosoul Volcanic Erupter Posts: 8,663	Biblically directed investments. Today they had this human interest story on the world report tonight (news) - channel 7. It was about this chruch that is teaching people how to invest using the Bible for guidance, saying that all money belongs to God so we should invest it like He would want us to do. The Preacher said "we know the Bible teaches that money is the root of some evils in this world'. (Re: The love of money is the root of all evil) But he re-worded it a little in his sermon. The Bible contains more refferences to money then it does to heaven. So what they do is the research each company that they think would a good one to invest in. They boycott companies that might promote something evil. On the list are items like abortion, firearms, pork, same sex marrages (gay rights), or anything else that might be viewed by the invester as morally wrong. And then they put faith in the idea they will make a profit on their investments while supporting companies that are 'relgiously correct' in their products or employee policies. The reporter found that most of the investments made by the group were below average, relative to payback percentages, then the average (secular) investor would get. A few got high returns of the investments made, and a few did very poor or lost money. Basic random results simular to gambling. However the Christians taking part in the Bible to Bucks program are happy in knowing that their investments help good companies instead of the ones whos activities or products they do not approve of - for Biblical reasons. Thought that was interesting - comments welcome.

Apr 2, 2006, 12:00 am	#2 (permalink) (top)
underbear1 BANNED Posts: 2,630	Thought they were supposed to give all their money to the poor?

Apr 2, 2006, 01:15 am	#5 (permalink) (top)
leftcider Lord Teh Location: Seattlul, WA Posts: 486	I wonder the minister put firearms were on the list of "morally bad" items... unless he's not your average conservative televangelist.