inspecting churches

[Michael Larson]

Russel, I had hoped you would provide a resource for me to read on church taxation as I have thrown out all my old newspapers in the age of the internet.

Perhaps you would care to read this material to add to your expansive knowledge on church state seperation and the influence of religion on society. There are many good quotes from Jefferson that you should be aware of.

Here is my favorite little story-.

President Jefferson was on his way to church on a Sunday morning with his large red prayer book under his arm when a friend querying him after their mutual good morning said which way are you walking Mr. Jefferson. To which he replied to Church Sir. You going to church Mr. J. You do not believe a word in it. Sir said Mr. J. No nation has ever yet existed or been governed without religion. Nor can be. The Christian religion is the best religion that has ever been given to man and I as chief Magistrate of this nation am bound to give it the sanction of my example.Good morning Sir.

more here:

http://www.heritage.org/Research/Pol...osophy/fp7.cfm

on the myth of the "Wall of Seperation"

http://www.heritage.org/Research/Pol...osophy/fp6.cfm

The The Impact of Religious Practice on Social Stability

http://www.heritage.org/Research/Religion/bg1992.cfm


Enjoy and let me know what you think after reading them.

[rwand1]

I fail to see why a church would be any different from any other building. Its a building. It should be inspected like anyother building.

[Russel Ray]

Originally Posted by mlarson

Russel, I had hoped you would provide a resource for me to read on church taxation as I have thrown out all my old newspapers in the age of the internet.

Ah, but that's the beauty of the Internet. It's all available. You seem to be fairly good tracking things down, so have at it.

Originally Posted by mlarson

Perhaps you would care to read this material to add to your expansive knowledge on church state seperation and the influence of religion on society. There are many good quotes from Jefferson that you should be aware of.

Been there, done that. History is my "religion."

There's a reason why the Founding Fathers created a republican democracy, to keep religious political extremist fanatic fundamentalists from ruining the nation that they founded, not that the RPEFF's won't continue to try.

[Russel Ray]

Originally Posted by rwand1

I fail to see why a church would be any different from any other building. Its a building. It should be inspected like anyother building.

Not necessarily.

I stay away from anything that has more than 400-amps electrical capacity coming in to it. Commercial electricity is a whole 'nother world from residential electricity.

I inspect residential and "commercial residential," i.e. condo and apartment complexes. I don't inspect commercial. Just this year already I've turned down a strip shopping mall, a KFC, and a Boston Market.

Additionally, my E&O insurance doesn't cover me for commercial.

[Michael Larson]

Originally Posted by rray

There's a reason why the Founding Fathers created a republican democracy, to keep religious political extremist fanatic fundamentalists from ruining the nation that they founded, not that the RPEFF's won't continue to try.

Russel, I guess that means you didn't read the Jefferson material in those links. Oh well I tried. Happy delusions sir.

[Russel Ray]

Originally Posted by mlarson

Russel, I guess that means you didn't read the Jefferson material in those links. Oh well I tried. Happy delusions sir.

Read it all before. Jefferson is one of my favorite figures in history. He also owned a lot of slaves. Enough said. He and the other Founding Fathers were fully aware that one's personal interests and beliefs should not be dictated by government. Ergo, the Revolution. So I will happily wallow in my delusions while you subject yourself to religious brainwashing.

[Michael Larson]

Originally Posted by rray

....So I will happily wallow in my delusions while you subject yourself to religious brainwashing.

Well, I was out but I resent your insinuation that I have been brainwashed.

Simply put Russel, Your jaded and one sided view of history is laughable to say the least.

[rwand1]

Russell

I think there is Tequila in the chalice.

[Russel Ray]

Originally Posted by mlarson

Well, I was out but I resent your insinuation that I have been brainwashed.

Simply put Russel, Your jaded and one sided view of history is laughable to say the least.

Religion is all about brainwashing to maintain power and money. The governments in the Middle East are a great example. I don't want that for America. We're better than that, in spite of King George and his thirst for oil money.

[Russel Ray]

Originally Posted by rwand1

Russell

I think there is Tequila in the chalice.

Instead of wine! Nooooooooooooooooooo!

[jschulte]

Originally Posted by rray

Religion is all about brainwashing to maintain power and money. The governments in the Middle East are a great example.

Wow RR, where did you get such a wide paint brush? Does Home Depot sell those, or do you have to go to a specialty store?

[Michael Larson]

Russel, I'm sorry you have been greatly hurt by religionists.
Your hostility toward all those who believe in a higher being is evident.
Since I have no desire to offend you in this manner I ask your forgiveness and wish you every success.

[Russel Ray]

Originally Posted by jschulte

Wow RR, where did you get such a wide paint brush? Does Home Depot sell those, or do you have to go to a specialty store?

I went to Sunday School in many, many churches, and then studied religions during my last two years in college, my first five years out of college, and my first two years in California. I continue to study it so that I know what not to do with my life.

[Russel Ray]

Originally Posted by mlarson

Russel, I'm sorry you have been greatly hurt by religionists.
Your hostility toward all those who believe in a higher being is evident.
Since I have no desire to offend you in this manner I ask your forgiveness and wish you every success.

I have not been hurt by religionists. Society, however, has hurt me. But society has hurt a lot of people. That's why I try to help society. That's why I'm here at NACHI.

I am not hostile, no more than religious political extremist fanatical fundamentalists are hostile. Well, perhaps I won't go around killing people who disagree with me like some RPEFF's do.

You have not offended me so there is no need to ask for forgiveness. And I'm not qualified to forgive anyway. That is up to each individual's beliefs. But beliefs is the key word there. Beliefs are not logical, so if one has certain beliefs that are not logical, and those beliefs make one feel good, and those beliefs keep one from killing, stealing, raping, etc., then I'm all for them. It's when one believes that his own beliefs are the only beliefs that matter, the only beliefs that are valid, the only beliefs that all peoplels should subscribe to. At that point, one becomes a terrorist. Abortion doctor killers are a great example.

[Michael Larson]

Have a nice day Russel