Quote:
Originally Posted by Kamakiri
I have to say I'm thoroughly enjoying the other thread in this particular forum 
Today's topic for discussion....when wealth relates to politics and religion, do you personally find it more difficult to accept a rich career politician, or a rich representative of God? Or both? At what level of sustainance do you draw the line for credibility? |
It's always nice to learn some perspective to understand Bible verses. The phrase we have often heard - that's it is harder for a rich man to go to heaven than for a camel to pass through the eye of the needle - does not describe an impossible task. Apparently, the ranchers of the day used a gate to the pens that was very low and narrow, called the eye of the needle. The Camels had to get to their knees to pass through it. It was a matter of some difficulty, but with the right effort and focus on the task, it was done.
Similarly, the rich person, with all of the doors that are opened by money, faces untold temptations in life. Such person also faces the risk that the wealth takes precedence over everything else in life. When the desire for greater wealth overcomes a person, it is difficult to follow the golden rule. I sincerely doubt that there are many people who reached positions of wealth or influence without giving themselves a boost on the back of other people, and probably stepping on a few faces along the way. The focus on obtaining wealth interferes with the focus on other things that might be expected of an adherent to a particular religion (beyond keeping one's pants zipped).
EDIT: OK, looking back at the question, it looks like I didn't answer it. I believe the level of compensation paid to a pastor should reflect the level of training required to hold the position (a Doctor of Divinity, roughly equal to a PHD); the responsibility for managing an organization that serves from 25 to 2500 individuals; and the visitation and counseling demands placed on the schedule. A pastor should make what a CEO of a similar size organization
SHOULD make (which, for most, is considerably less than they actually make).
Regards,
D-Ray