Jeff
I already commented on what was said in the first ten minutes. It was one guy who wasn't identified acting like an authority but providing no facts, and a comedian who was being simplistic and sensationalist in order to get laughs (I don't fault him for it, but it's certainly not the type of thing you could use to make a serious argument). To humor you, I'll address one point brought up by Carlin. He mentions money, how the church ("God") shouldn't need money, etc. I think the implication is that the church leaders are bleeding their congregations dry in order to turn a buck. Does this happen? Sure. I look at megachurches in affluent areas and wonder why they chose to spend their money in those ways (and the preachers are probably overpaid, too). In my personal experience in the Lutheran church, though, I see nothing of the sort. I see churches (individual congregations) regularly struggling to take in enough money to continue operating. There are of course bills to pay -- heating, electric, mortgage, etc. -- and people to pay -- janitors, secretaries, organists, educators, pastors, youth workers, etc. -- and outreach programs to finance -- food pantries, book drives, soup kitchens, etc. -- and the list goes on. The way I look at it is that churches have an option.
1-Go low budget on all aspects. Preach out of basements, give all money to the poor, have no special music, rely on volunteers for music, preaching, etc.
or
2-Actually pay a living wage to the workers in the church so you maintain some amount of professional and spiritual quality.
Personally, I think the second option is better. For one, a church is more likely to end up with a minister capable of putting scripture in historical, social, and spiritual context. Did you know that pastors (again going off my experience in the Lutheran church) go through four years of schooling AFTER they get an undergraduate degree? They learn ancient Greek, Hebrew, and sometimes Latin in order to translate primary documents. They study history, the Bible (naturally), and Christian writings from the last 2000 years. I think it'd be disingenuous to suggest that a church can maintain that kind of quality without paying a living wage. Oh, and that living wage, the starting salary, is generally less than what a public school teacher would start at...below $30,000 (depending on the area, of course).
Now, tell me why churches should be able to function without money.
Oh, and tell me which ten minutes I was SUPPOSED to watch for the earth-shattering argument on why people who follow organized religion are sheep.
