Is it possible to become filthy rich without losing your soul?

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We are all guilty of something. Now the relevant question is, are there particular sins that are correlated with the pursuit of wealth. That is the question that I am raising. That is a perfectly reasonable question.
And that’s the proof we’ve been looking for, isn’t it? They have to be sinners. And we don’t need no steenkin’ proof – this isn’t a refereed paper.

This is like playing fetch with an inexhaustible dog – no matter how far I throw the stick, you’ll bring it back. 😛
 
anything is possible with God. but it’s hard to understand how you could become obscenely rich without worshiping money–mammon. it’s not like you can make billions without working for it.
Well, first of all, we were talking about $100 million, but nonetheless, the following points still fit.

Let’s take a look at one of the absolute richest men - Bill Gates. Did he set out to become the richest man in the world? I don’t know. He was a computer geek, who certainly wanted to have a successful software company…perhaps he was also “worshipping mammon” in the process. Or, perhaps his product became more successful than he ever dreamed and he became a gazzillionaire. Now, did he lose his soul? Do you know that?

People’s attitude toward money changes throughout their lives. Gates is now doing a ton of charity. In fact, he announced his resignation and will only be working part time for Microsoft, as Chairman, and full time on the health and education foundation he and his wife run.

Did he lose his soul? I have no idea. Would he be able to give everything he has away to follow Christ? I don’t know…pretty tough. Would you?
 
And that’s the proof we’ve been looking for, isn’t it? They have to be sinners. And we don’t need no steenkin’ proof – this isn’t a refereed paper.

This is like playing fetch with an inexhaustible dog – no matter how far I throw the stick, you’ll bring it back. 😛
Amazing…is the one who brings the word ENVY into this discussion…I sense a bit of projection here, Mr. V. :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

…and one doesn’t amass nearly 19k posts without “fetching” :tsktsk: :hmmm: :blushing:
 
And that’s the proof we’ve been looking for, isn’t it? They have to be sinners. And we don’t need no steenkin’ proof – this isn’t a refereed paper.
Who is not a sinner? But like I have said over and over, perhaps there is a sample selection bias in those who attempt to become “filthy rich”. It may be that this group has different struggles, than people who don’t have the desire o become “filthy rich”. Certainly, if your goal is to become filthy rich, it is certainly reasonable to assume that you are going to run into different temptations than someone who may have other goals. Now of course, if I see data that refutes this initial hypothesis, I will change my mind.

What do you do when you run into data that refutes your initial hypotheses?
 
Who is not a sinner? But like I have said over and over, perhaps there is a sample selection bias in those who attempt to become “filthy rich”. It may be that this group has different struggles, than people who don’t have the desire o become “filthy rich”. Certainly, if your goal is to become filthy rich, it is certainly reasonable to assume that you are going to run into different temptations than someone who may have other goals. Now of course, if I see data that refutes this initial hypothesis, I will change my mind.

What do you do when you run into data that refutes your initial hypotheses?
Fetch!!
 
Ya know … the expression “filthy rich” is pejorative of and in itself.
 
Ya know … the expression “filthy rich” is pejorative of and in itself.
Indeed it is. And note the behavior pattern on this thread.

First, we make the snide suggestion that started the thread.

Then when shown by the FBI UCR that other socio-economic classes are more heavily represented in serious wrong-doing, we pretend this is an “attack” on those other classes.

Then we say that there are other things the “filthy rich” do that are bad.

Then when challenged for data, we say we only need cites for refereed papers.

Then we ask questions like, “What do you do when you run into data that refutes your initial hypotheses?” unconscious of the irony that they have rejected both data and the need for data.:rotfl:
 
Who is not a sinner? But like I have said over and over, perhaps there is a sample selection bias in those who attempt to become “filthy rich”. It may be that this group has different struggles, than people who don’t have the desire o become “filthy rich”. Certainly, if your goal is to become filthy rich, it is certainly reasonable to assume that you are going to run into different temptations than someone who may have other goals. Now of course, if I see data that refutes this initial hypothesis, I will change my mind.

What do you do when you run into data that refutes your initial hypotheses?
Your hypothesis is that one will lose his soul in the process of becoming “filthy rich.” How exactly do you plan to find “data” to support your hypothesis? Are you going to do a manual count of those in heaven and hell who were filthy rich on earth? 😛

As far as “different temptations” are concerned. It wasn’t mentioned in your original post. The primary comment was…
On the other hand being ruthless can be profitable. Also, can you make $100 million plus without being obessively focused towards your work? Is for example, neglecting your family to make money you will never spend, consistent with the gospel?
Are there people who are “obsessively focused towards their work” that are never going to be and perhaps not even interested in being “filthy rich?” I think so. In which case, you haven’t uncovered a “different temptation.” 🤷

Anyway, once you get your data, after careful interviews with God and the devil, please post it on the thread so we can see your results. 😛 😃
 
As far as “different temptations” are concerned. It wasn’t mentioned in your original post. The primary comment was…

Are there people who are “obsessively focused towards their work” that are never going to be and perhaps not even interested in being “filthy rich?” I think so. In which case, you haven’t uncovered a “different temptation.” 🤷
By different temptation, what I mean is that we have different degrees of struggle with different temptations. For example, it would be difficult for me to get overextended with credit card debt because being financially prudent is something that comes easy to me. I also have less desire for some of the fancier goodies of this world. So the temptation of buying stuff I cannot afford is not something I struggle with. Now of course, it is a good thing that I chose to become a college professor with these preferences, because I know that I will never become “filthy rich” and if I did, all of that wealth would be wasted on me.

But if someone has the goal of becoming filthy rich, I think it is reasonable to ask whether there are certain spiritual hurdles that they need to guard against. Just as if one had a goal of becoming a successful college professor, there are spiritual traps that one should be warned against. Now perhaps your hypothesis is that the spiritual traps of becoming a successful college professor are the same as the spiritual traps of becoming filthy rich. I am not saying that one is worse than the other, I just focused on the first question.
 
By different temptation, what I mean is that we have different degrees of struggle with different temptations. For example, it would be difficult for me to get overextended with credit card debt because being financially prudent is something that comes easy to me. I also have less desire for some of the fancier goodies of this world. So the temptation of buying stuff I cannot afford is not something I struggle with. Now of course, it is a good thing that I chose to become a college professor with these preferences, because I know that I will never become “filthy rich” and if I did, all of that wealth would be wasted on me.

But if someone has the goal of becoming filthy rich, I think it is reasonable to ask whether there are certain spiritual hurdles that they need to guard against. Just as if one had a goal of becoming a successful college professor, there are spiritual traps that one should be warned against. Now perhaps your hypothesis is that the spiritual traps of becoming a successful college professor are the same as the spiritual traps of becoming filthy rich. I am not saying that one is worse than the other, I just focused on the first question.
I still don’t get your point? Why do you care about other people’s hurdles? Are you writing a book - *How to become “filthy rich” and not lose your soul *?

If you want to teach people that placing desire for material things above God is a sin, that is easy enough and it applies to everyone. What benefit is there in focusing on the possible sins of one of the smallest groups in the population?
 
I still don’t get your point? Why do you care about other people’s hurdles? Are you writing a book - *How to become “filthy rich” and not lose your soul *?
Sounds like a good idea. Do we have any entrepreneurs who have been canonized? That would be a good place to start.
If you want to teach people that placing desire for material things above God is a sin, that is easy enough and it applies to everyone. What benefit is there in focusing on the possible sins of one of the smallest groups in the population?
But of course, it doesn’t apply equally to everyone. In addition, in my original post. I didn’t say that the “filthy rich” were necessarily more sinful, what I did ask was about those attempting to become “filthy rich”. Now of course there is a bit of randomness in who actually becomes “filthy rich”. If Bill Gates started his company five years earlier there is a chance that he would be a computer programmer today instead of a billionaire. So the question was not about the “filthy rich” as a group, but the quest for extreme wealth that our culture worships.
 
Sounds like a good idea. Do we have any entrepreneurs who have been canonized? That would be a good place to start.

But of course, it doesn’t apply equally to everyone. In addition, in my original post. I didn’t say that the “filthy rich” were necessarily more sinful, what I did ask was about those attempting to become “filthy rich”. Now of course there is a bit of randomness in who actually becomes “filthy rich”. If Bill Gates started his company five years earlier there is a chance that he would be a computer programmer today instead of a billionaire.** So the question was not about the “filthy rich” as a group, but the quest for extreme wealth that our culture worships.**
Well then, I would recommend you learn how to pose your questions a little more clearly professor, because that question was not asked. You chose to refer to the “filthy rich” (a group) and focus on discussing the state of their souls. If you want to start a thread about consumerism, that is easy enough. Consumerism is pervasive in our society. It is not the sole dominion of those who have a quest to be “filthy rich.”

Perhaps, you should focus on sins that you yourself struggle with, since you would know something more about the subject, rather than being concerned with the speck in your “filthy rich” brother’s eye. 😉 (he’s winking because of the speck 😃 )

You’ve already said you don’t struggle with greed. Bravo! :clapping: Hooray for you! 👍 I’m sure there are other sins which you do struggle with. Perhaps, you could help others who struggle with the same issues, rather than concerning yourself with the struggles you don’t have.
 
If Bill Gates started his company five years earlier there is a chance that he would be a computer programmer today instead of a billionaire.
btw…what in the world does that have to do with the question at hand? Did he or didn’t he have a “quest” to be filthy rich? You don’t know…neither do I.

I am a salesman. Due to the nature of my job, these are questions I have dealt with and still deal with. I have two quotes out to customers right now that could make my income grow about 20x of what it is right now. Now, it is my job to make such quotes, because the companies I represent are paying me to help them close business. If I close those orders, I will have more income than I need. Should I have said “no bid” for fear of my soul? If I don’t quote them, then I will not be representing my companies…that is also a sin. Oh, the HUMANITY!! 😉 😛

It is indeed possible for someone to become “filthy rich” without having a “quest” for it.
 
Ya know … the expression “filthy rich” is pejorative of and in itself.
YEAH! They should be refer to as the “holy, pure and saintly wealthy.” After all, prosperity is a sure sign of election and poverty is a certain sign of reprobation to damnation. The rich are saints walking among us who are living the joy of this life while they await the joys of the next while the poor are damned souls awaiting the punishment they rightly deserve for being wicked and lazy, criminals all.

Make sure your sarcast-O-meter is working before replying.

I think I need a bath after typing that. Blech!
 
btw…what in the world does that have to do with the question at hand? Did he or didn’t he have a “quest” to be filthy rich? You don’t know…neither do I.
The point was that more people seek wealth than find it. You brought up Bill Gates, so I just continued with the example.

I think that we can make a reasonable hypothesis that it was at least a likely goal. The reason is, why would someone take such risk if that wasn’t part of his goal? After all, as a computer programmer could make a nice salary with less risk working for someone else. If he didn’t value the extra money, why take on the extra risk?
I am a salesman. Due to the nature of my job, these are questions I have dealt with and still deal with. I have two quotes out to customers right now that could make my income grow about 20x of what it is right now. Now, it is my job to make such quotes, because the companies I represent are paying me to help them close business. If I close those orders, I will have more income than I need. Should I have said “no bid” for fear of my soul? If I don’t quote them, then I will not be representing my companies…that is also a sin. Oh, the HUMANITY!! 😉 😛
If it would endanger your soul, my most charitable suggestion to you would be to find another line of work. Like I said, making money by itself is not bad, but there can be potential dangers.
 
If it would endanger your soul, my most charitable suggestion to you would be to find another line of work. Like I said, making money by itself is not bad, but there can be potential dangers.
I am working out my salvation in fear and trembling, just like every other Christian. My soul would be in even more danger if I had chosen to be a professor. The pride that comes with thinking you know it all would just be too much. 😛
 
I am working out my salvation in fear and trembling, just like every other Christian.
Part of the problem is that most of the rich that I know are not Christians. Now I am not saying that most of the rich are not Christian, but if you don’t have that as a foundation, you are handicapped right from the start.
My soul would be in even more danger if I had chosen to be a professor. The pride that comes with thinking you know it all would just be too much. 😛
Pride is a real problem. Especially when you can’t get fired. It is the profession I know where the employees call the bosses by their first names, and the bosses address the employees as doctor so and so.
 
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