Protestants and wealth

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Adamski

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I have noticed in general faithful Protestants compared to faithful Catholics seem to drive more expensive cars were nicer clothes and have bigger houses than faithful Catholics. I am close friends with dozens of both. Also on my journey to the catholic church at least here in Seattle every Protestant church I went into was filled with people with designer clothes and 70$ haircuts. I always stood out because I am overly frugal. The second I walked into my parish I felt right at home with my 10 year old suit that was on sale then because it was out of style.

I know these Protestants (evangelicals) give probably more than 10% of their income are they just a lot wealthier than Catholics at least here in Seattle it seems like it. My theory is the majority of catholics come from poor counties and are less than a 3rd generation imigrant and the Protestants have been here from England or Germany for hundreds of years building wealth
 
Hmmm, good question. I have noticed the things you describe, as I used to go to a “Bible believing” mega-church and they dressed to the nines, too. (I’m also a revert.) I have no answers as far as the demographics, but it would be interesting to know.

As Catholics IMO we should dress up more, as we truly are going to see our Lord.

But outward appearances are just that-- who’s to say what someone’s real financial picture is behind closed doors?

Growing up, in my family we had six kids and only my dad worked, we never owned a new car, we got hand-me-down clothes, brought our own lunches to school, etc. I resented it at the time, but when I became an adult I learned that my dad never owed a nickel of debt, the house was paid in full, and they never even had a credit card till the bank gave them a debit card.

They were excellent stewards of what they were blessed with, which the Bible says is what God wants of us.

Edit: BTW, my parents gave the 10% tithe back then, and today they give much more now that my dad is retired.
 
I live in a very nice side of town, so most of the people who go to my parish are well off. The parking lots of all churches around here are full of nice/decent cars. And the neighborhoods/subdivisions are nice.
I know poor Protestants. My mother struggled raising two kids alone with no help, we were protestants.
My great aunt and great uncle have always been well off. She didn’t work and had the help around the house when they were younger. They are Catholic.
I don’t think we can paint with such a broad brush when it comes to religion and wealth.
 
I may be over analyzing it but my European history professor actually talked about the economic gap between entire countries, Protestant countries have always been wealthier because they rejected the “just price” teaching the Catholic Church had in the middle ages (That you should charge whatever it cost to make something, and then just a little more so that you could get by), and the Protestants started maximizing profits so Protestant countries ended up making a lot more money.
 
I guess u can call me a Protestant…My church is full of people of different backgrounds and wealth. Not everyone drives a expensive car (myself included) I get my haircut at great clips for 14.00 and I dye it with a box color myself and it looks just as good as those 70.00 ones.
I have gone to the catholic church and the women wear “Hooker heels” …tight pants and look like they are going to a club afterwards.

Since I started reading this website I have sensed hatred towards non Catholics (excepts muslims) and it really is disgusting
 
foofydo said:
Since I started reading this website I have sensed hatred towards non Catholics (excepts muslims) and it really is disgusting
Click to expand...
It’s not hatred, rather just a “holier than thou” attitude. Sometimes people of certain Religions like to ‘observe’ that their clergy are better because that must point to the truth of their own group.

It’s silly, because it’s never true. Catholics are as bad as Protestants as Protestants are as bad as Catholics in every single way. Any Catholic that thinks this or that group is worse better look at their own life and be perfect before making a judgement; otherwise what’s stopping God from judging them more harshly?
 
foofydo said:
Since I started reading this website I have sensed hatred towards non Catholics (excepts muslims) and it really is disgusting
Click to expand...
I think it is a mistake to interpret what you read here as “hatred towards non Catholics”.

Instead, what you may be encountering for the first time is the unvarnished truth about the errors of Protestantism that are not being couched in politically correct terms.

IOW, in this forum, we know you’re wrong, and we know why you’re wrong, and we’re not hesitant to tell you what we know in order that you might know, also.

You obviously don’t like what you’re hearing, but it’s for your own good.
 
dronald said:
It’s not hatred, rather just a “holier than thou” attitude.Sometimes people of certain Religions like to ‘observe’ that their clergy are better because that must point to the truth of their own group.

It’s silly, because it’s never true. Catholics are as bad as Protestants as Protestants are as bad as Catholics in every single way. Any Catholic that thinks this or that group is worse better look at their own life and be perfect before making a judgement; otherwise what’s stopping God from judging them more harshly?
Click to expand...
To the contrary, Catholics do not see themselves as holier than other Christians. We know that we are sinners just like everyone else. However, we also know that Catholicism is true and that other Christian fellowships are in error to varying degrees.
 
Randy_Carson said:
I think it is a mistake to interpret what you read here as “hatred towards non Catholics”.

Instead, what you may be encountering for the first time is the unvarnished truth about the errors of Protestantism that are not being couched in politically correct terms.

IOW, in this forum, we know you’re wrong, and we know why you’re wrong, and we’re not hesitant to tell you what we know in order that you might know, also.

You obviously don’t like what you’re hearing, but it’s for your own good.
Click to expand...
That’s right Randy.

The truth is, foofydo that you’re a terrible sinner who because being a Protestant you have no works, your faith is lacking, you’re probably rich, never give, never pray, you’re proud, lustful and just a straight up terrible person in comparison to Catholics. Catholics may slip up from time to time, but deep down the majority are so wonderful and holy.

Here’s a chart to prove such how awesome Catholics are and how terrible our Church is doing in its teachings:

static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2014/11/13/1415889696049/PEW.png
 
foofydo said:
Since I started reading this website I have sensed hatred towards non Catholics (excepts muslims) and it really is disgusting
Click to expand...
foofydo-

Here are some examples of the brotherly love that we Catholics regularly receive from non-Catholics who visit this forum:
dronald said:
It’s not hatred, rather just a “holier than thou” attitude.
Click to expand...
dronald said:
The truth is, foofydo that you’re a terrible sinner who because being a Protestant you have no works, your faith is lacking, you’re probably rich, never give, never pray, you’re proud, lustful and just a straight up terrible person in comparison to Catholics. Catholics may slip up from time to time, but deep down the majority are so wonderful and holy.
Click to expand...
 
Randy_Carson said:
foofydo-

Here are some examples of the brotherly love that we Catholics regularly receive from non-Catholics who visit this forum:
Click to expand...
Maybe you just don’t like what you’re hearing; but it’s for your own good.
 
Adamski said:
I have noticed in general faithful Protestants compared to faithful Catholics seem to drive more expensive cars were nicer clothes and have bigger houses than faithful Catholics. I am close friends with dozens of both. Also on my journey to the catholic church at least here in Seattle every Protestant church I went into was filled with people with designer clothes and 70$ haircuts. I always stood out because I am overly frugal. The second I walked into my parish I felt right at home with my 10 year old suit that was on sale then because it was out of style.

I know these Protestants (evangelicals) give probably more than 10% of their income are they just a lot wealthier than Catholics at least here in Seattle it seems like it. My theory is the majority of catholics come from poor counties and are less than a 3rd generation imigrant and the Protestants have been here from England or Germany for hundreds of years building wealth
Click to expand...
Could it be you are in a wealthier part of town?
:cool:
Last time I checked Protestants (and that ropes in a large bunch of groups) do not have a corner on wealth, and Catholics do not have a corner on the poor.
 
Adamski said:
I have noticed in general faithful Protestants compared to faithful Catholics seem to drive more expensive cars were nicer clothes and have bigger houses than faithful Catholics. I am close friends with dozens of both. Also on my journey to the catholic church at least here in Seattle every Protestant church I went into was filled with people with designer clothes and 70$ haircuts. I always stood out because I am overly frugal. The second I walked into my parish I felt right at home with my 10 year old suit that was on sale then because it was out of style.

I know these Protestants (evangelicals) give probably more than 10% of their income are they just a lot wealthier than Catholics at least here in Seattle it seems like it. My theory is the majority of catholics come from poor counties and are less than a 3rd generation imigrant and the Protestants have been here from England or Germany for hundreds of years building wealth
Click to expand...
Hi Adamski,
While I don’t question your observation nor do I challenge it, I would say that it doesn’t apply everywhere nor should it be considered a general rule.

For example, in my local congregation there are those who drive expensive cars and those who don’t, while some congregants can’t afford a car at all who take public transportation or get a ride in order to attend.

Some folks wear expensive clothing while there are those who can’t afford nice clothes, with most people falling somewhere in between.

I work with a few Catholics and we all make around the same salary and live in similar neighborhoods.

I am a tither and will say from personal experience that God has blessed me and my family more since I began tithing several years ago, so I believe God honors His word where He asks us to test Him in this. (Malachi 3:8-10).

Looks can be deceiving. I know some folks who live way above their means, including a high percentage of those I know who attend mega-churches. My suspicion is that they do so in order to keep up appearances and to keep up with the Jones’. Some are in over their head financially and are a layoff away from bankruptcy. Like you, I do not think it is wise to live that way.

My family tries to live within our means. However, we allow ourselves to enjoy special treats from time to time, too.

For example, my wife teaches Spanish and has always wanted to go to Spain so that she could actually see and experience the things she has taught about. I received a small inheritance a few years ago and decided to spend part of it for us to take a vacation to Spain as a gift to her for her birthday.

Words can’t express the joy she experienced there, and on multiple occasions while on our trip she lovingly hugged me and said, “I can’t believe I’m really here and seeing these things in person. Thank you so much!”.

Her reaction was priceless to me. Some people probably thought we were rich because we took a trip to Europe, but if it wasn’t for the small inheritance I got, we wouldn’t have been able to go.

In short, perhaps more protestants live above their means than Catholics, but that is purely a guess on my part.
 
Adamski said:
I have noticed in general faithful Protestants compared to faithful Catholics seem to drive more expensive cars were nicer clothes and have bigger houses than faithful Catholics. I am close friends with dozens of both. Also on my journey to the catholic church at least here in Seattle every Protestant church I went into was filled with people with designer clothes and 70$ haircuts. I always stood out because I am overly frugal. The second I walked into my parish I felt right at home with my 10 year old suit that was on sale then because it was out of style.

I know these Protestants (evangelicals) give probably more than 10% of their income are they just a lot wealthier than Catholics at least here in Seattle it seems like it. My theory is the majority of catholics come from poor counties and are less than a 3rd generation imigrant and the Protestants have been here from England or Germany for hundreds of years building wealth
Click to expand...
The classic work on this subject is The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism by Max Weber, German sociologist, economist, and politician.
 
I think another consideration is that many Protestant churches move out to the suburbs to follow their members - whereas the Catholic Church continues to serve their neighborhoods even as they may decline economically.
 
Can’t relate. My parish is in a wealthy suburb of Chicago. One I can’t afford, actually! (next town over). Plenty of MB, BMW, Lexus in the parking lot on Sunday, but less than 10% of families gave to the latest capital campaign. Catholics aren’t remotely immune to greed, power lust, materialism or social climber syndrome. Me either.

I do think that given the historical demographics that protestants have a legacy advantage in that they have inherited more wealth than the sons of penniless catholic immigrants. Today’s situation is not new. Before it was despised and impoverished Mexican immigrants it was Polish, Italians and Irish.

Fun fact: The city with the MOST ethnically Polish people in the world is Warsaw, Poland. #2 is Chicago, IL. 🙂
 
Adamski said:
I have noticed in general faithful Protestants compared to faithful Catholics seem to drive more expensive cars were nicer clothes and have bigger houses than faithful Catholics. I am close friends with dozens of both. Also on my journey to the catholic church at least here in Seattle every Protestant church I went into was filled with people with designer clothes and 70$ haircuts. I always stood out because I am overly frugal. The second I walked into my parish I felt right at home with my 10 year old suit that was on sale then because it was out of style.

I know these Protestants (evangelicals) give probably more than 10% of their income are they just a lot wealthier than Catholics at least here in Seattle it seems like it. My theory is the majority of catholics come from poor counties and are less than a 3rd generation imigrant and the Protestants have been here from England or Germany for hundreds of years building wealth
Click to expand...
A lot of poorer Protestants go to little churches tucked away down country roads or in urban storefronts. You probably just don’t notice them. But the situation may be different in Seattle from the parts of the country I know (I’ve lived in the Northeast, the South, and the Midwest).
 
I did some research and I found this (nytimes.com/imagepages/2011/05/15/magazine/15-Leonhardt.html?ref=magazine) from a NY time article (nytimes.com/2011/05/15/magazine/is-your-religion-your-financial-destiny.html?_r=0). It looks like for people above $75k a year, Catholics, Lutherans, and Mormons are about tied, while Baptists are poor. The Reformed Jews have most of the money.

Another study I found (pewforum.org/2009/01/30/income-distribution-within-us-religious-groups/) looks a little deeper. And, I think the reason Protestants in the United States on average seem richer is demographic. Protestants have higher % of whites, Asians, and African Americans. Catholics have higher % of Hispanics, who on average have lower income. (Pew Report, page 41) I think it is a case of racial income equality, not religious income equality.
 
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