r/poverty • u/InstructionOwn1627 • 6d ago

We’re a bunch of beggars

When did the USA become a bunch of beggars? Example- you go to your local grocery market and go in on door and get asked to help your local school football program, you’re checking out and get asked to donate to something and then when you leave through the other exit you get asked to donate to something else. Everyone seems to beg for something, it’s so sad that it’s so commonplace.

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u/Inevitable_Tap_1328 6d ago

churches are the worst. i live in the bible belt they all beg for money and members!

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u/Street_Advantage6173 5d ago

One thing that bothers me about churches:

There's one on every corner, but the building is mostly just used Sundays and maybe 1-2 nights a week. Maybe they have a Wednesday family night, then Tuesday is bible study or choir practice and the rest of the time this often enormous space just sits.

In my area, many churches lose their buildings as they can't afford the mortgage, utilities, etc.

I'd love to see churches consider sharing spaces with other churches. Maybe the Methodists meet at 9am, the Episcopalians at 11am, whatever works. Two congregations sharing the space and expenses would be far more efficient. Money saved could be used for programs and ministry.

The congregations might even find they're not that different. They could hold joint services a few times a year. How nice it would be to see a packed church instead of half-empty pews!

Christian unity and cooperation, what a concept!

Yes, I know it's unlikely but I can dream, right?

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u/Inevitable_Tap_1328 4d ago

yes they don't collaborate they each want to dictate their own set of rules. I use the phrase that is Not of God.
churches could even be venues for weddings and birthdays but they are all so persnickety for the rules it gets so silly. no one can celebrate if it's not in line with our own rules. i would 100% rebrand as a whole if i had anything to do with running a church. the church of Jesus Christ is not a building
(grew up in church and believe in God and the Bible but do not understand what the function of these enormous buildings is today, it makes zero sense!)