Christians, Please don’t downvote comment if you upvoted post.
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Me too. I’m a Christian in that I believe the words of Jesus but think churches got the message wrong or distorted it to control people and/or get money and power. Jesus’ message was against that exact world system corruption - trying to teach how to live according to God’s system.
Uh....ever heard of Acts? What about the epistles written by Paul? They were written to different churches in existence at the time. Revelation talks about the seven churches. I'm a long way from being a Bible scholar but it's all right there in the Word. Also, I agree with your suspicions of the vatican.
Catholicism aside. Here is a list of churches in the Bible:
Antioch, Pisidia: Acts 13:14; Gal 1:2
Antioch, Syria: Acts 11:26 (Paul's home base)
Athens: Acts 17:34
Babylon: 1 Peter 5:13; Acts 2:9
Berea: Acts 17:11
Caesarea: Acts 10:1,48
Cenchrea: Rom 16:1
Colossae: Col 1:2
Corinth: Acts 18:1
Crete: Titus 1:5
Cyrene: Acts 11:20
Damascus: Acts 9:19
Derbe: Acts 14:20; Gal 1:2
Ephesus: Acts 18:19
Hierapolis Col 4:13
Iconium: Acts 14:1; Gal 1:2
Jerusalem: Acts 2:5
Joppa: Acts 9:36, 38
Laodicea: Rev 1:11, Col 4:15
Lydda: Acts 9:32
Lystra: Acts 14:6; Gal 1:2
Pergamum: Rev 1:11
Philadelphia: Rev 1:11
Philippi: Acts 16:12
Puteoli, Italy: Acts 28:13-14
Rome: Rom 1:7
Sardis: Rev 1:11
Sharon: Acts 9:35
Smyrna: Rev 1:11
Tarsus: Acts 9:30
Thessalonica: Acts 17:1
Thyatira: Rev 1:11; Acts 16:14
Troas: Acts 20:6-7
They were Christian churches. (Post the crucifixion and ascension)
Acts 2:38-42 (The Establishment of the Church)
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized,(AX) every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.(AY) And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.(AZ) 39 The promise is for you and your children(BA) and for all who are far off(BB)—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.”(BC) 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number(BD) that day.
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching(BE) and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread(BF) and to prayer.(BG)
The Vatican has always been about money, control and power for a select group.
https://www.history.com/.amp/topics/renaissance/medici-family
If you have Netflix or Showtime this series is a good reference. I watch a lot of historical dramas because I love history. After watching, I also research the facts vs the Hollywood version.
Borgias Family This really shows how power hungry they were.
https://www.netflix.com/title/70177084
I don’t disagree if stones are to be thrown we should also look at Protestant “evangelist” or preachers. We might only see the big corporate churches and TV preachers today. It was going on long ago. Traveling preachers setting up a tent for revival. I don’t have have proof and haven’t researched this subject. I personally feel many human beings get greedy when they start getting money. I’ve heard all my life to tithe ten percent. I don’t but I know many that firmly hold to that for a lifetime. So many people support Christian charities, missions & missionaries. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard give extra for this and that. I’m not saying all charities are crooked! I never give money if I don’t know where it’s going and who’s handling the books. I’d rather pick a few down and out people and help them with what they need. I don’t mean to imply my way is right. It works for me.
100% agreed.