FROM: Terry Lynch@aol.com; POB 241035; Montgomery, AL 36124-1035 
Phone: (334) 272-4217 voice  (334) 277-3582 fax via arrangement

DATE:  July 9, 1998 

TO:  Letter to the Editor      

SUBJECT:  Since When Did God Have A Ledger Book?

When did God get a ledger book?  I know Santa Clause has a list 
and is checking it twice to see if children are naughty or nice, 
but I did not know God was keeping a ledger to see who donates 
what to their local churches.

Yes, I know what the Bible says about the tithe.  But when Peter, 
Paul and Mary give their hard earned money to the church, who do 
you think profits?  It isn't God who reports tax exempt income to 
the IRS, it is the church and their accountant.

It doesn't take a genius to know that it is institutions and the 
people who run them who are interested in money.  God doesn't 
care about money.  God couldn't care less if you are rich or 
poor.  All God wants is your soul!

What that means to me is that it is more important to love your 
neighbor and be tolerant of other people then to try to screw 
John or Peter out of a buck.  But there are an awful lot of holy 
rollers preaching damnation, Armageddon, the end of the world and 
judgment day.  Funny thing is they all want your money now!

Now I may be a sinner or I may be a saint, but one thing I'm not 
is a doomsday bellowing lunatic asking for pennies to build an 
ark.  Quite frankly I'd rather worship amid the towering hoodoo 
spires of Bryce Canyon or atop Angel's Landing in Zion National 
Park than inside any church money can build or buy.

Why do you suppose Jesus gave his sermon on the mount?  And why 
did he chase the money mongers out of the temple?  Could it be 
God doesn't give a damn about the tithe?  He just wants you to 
love!

Sincerely, Terry Lynch
Montgomery, AL