itsbob
I bowl overhand
.. does everyone agree a business with "Christian" in their names or ads, is most assuredly a rip off??
Christian Loan Sharks
Christian Loan Sharks
Specific Religions Aside..
- Thread starter itsbob
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Beelzebaby666
Has confinement issues..
I would think twice about calling them, but more because they are affiliated with bankers than because they claim to be affiliated with God. God doesn't want my money and he wouldn't charge me interest. 
SamSpade
Well-Known Member
itsbob said:
There's only one reason anyone would need to do business with anyone other than a well known lending institution - and that's because their credit isn't very good. I know - my sister works for such a place.
But I get your point, and I'd probably also be suspicious of any business that feels the need to advertise "Christian" so boldly.
brendar buhl
Doesn't seem Christian
There is this thing in Baltimore called "The Shepard's Guide". It is a Yellow Pages for Christian businesses. My experience has been that theses companies are relying on their Christianity to bring in business instead of what other companies rely on (quality). The plumber that I called gave me an estimate that was nearly twice what "non-Christian" plumbers quoted. Of course you don't want some one installing satanic pipes in your house do you.
That has been my experience, yes.itsbob said:
And about that particular business:
Praying for cash?
Praying for cash?
SamSpade
Well-Known Member
I can only think of one reason why it might even have a ring of legitimacy.
I was once in a church where they produced a listing of companies owned by other members. It was never stressed but often encouraged to go to the businesses of our fellow members.
I've also seen directories of businesses owned by (specific race or ethnicity) for exactly the same reasons - to encourage the business of those within said community.
And to be fair? Sometimes I have returned to businesses where I got a good deal and found out later they were devout (something) and regarded ethics highly as part of their doing business - because while I respect the need to be in business for profit, it's nice to know someone whose word is better than a written contract.
I was once in a church where they produced a listing of companies owned by other members. It was never stressed but often encouraged to go to the businesses of our fellow members.
I've also seen directories of businesses owned by (specific race or ethnicity) for exactly the same reasons - to encourage the business of those within said community.
And to be fair? Sometimes I have returned to businesses where I got a good deal and found out later they were devout (something) and regarded ethics highly as part of their doing business - because while I respect the need to be in business for profit, it's nice to know someone whose word is better than a written contract.
itsbob
I bowl overhand
True, but did they advertise their belief by using CHRISTIAN in big bold letters in their signs? My experience has been the same, but I didn't know this about them until I met them. I used an electician again and again in NH, he trusted me with just a phone call and a handshake, and I trusted him that his work would be superior and I wouldn't have to watch over him. THe name of his business was "An Affordable Electrician" or "AA Electrician".SamSpade said:
THis particular Christian businees is a payday loan business, meaning they are charging christian interest rates of probably more then 30%.. AND they aren't even the lenders, but a service to refer you to people who will loan you the money. They just get to take their piece of you off of the top.
SamSpade
Well-Known Member
itsbob said:
Not typically. And I didn't specify devout WHAT. I did know of a man twenty years ago who was a very devout JEW who had such a reputation - that people would rather have his word, than a signature from anyone else. Such is the case with people who dedicate their professional conduct.
However, being very familiar with Biblical texts and such, it isn't hard sometimes to spot references however mildly obscure that suggest Christian or some kind of religious devotion (e.g. "Berean Research" or "Barnabas Counseling" or perhaps a soup kitchen called "Widow's Oil"). Since I've seen both good and bad examples, I treat them all the same - you get my business if you do a good job.
No. "Christian Book Store" comes to mind. I tend to look for businesses that I know are run by Christians. I expect honesty. I have rarely been disappointed.itsbob said:
Looking at that site and reading their privacy page, I agree that this group is playing on the word Christian but not standing on Christian principles. Their terms would not even display. That is not new for "religious" people. The only written record of Jesus getting mad and physically tossing things and people is in the temple with the money changers telling them they had turned His house into a den of thieves.
Many mafia think they are Christians. I think they are going to be surprised. Many profess to be Christians but don't live the life of a Christian. As James said, "Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself."
We are not saved by works; only the blood of Jesus can save us; salvation is a gift that cannot be earned. James was not saying anything to the contrary. He was saying that if you have true faith, if you really have Jesus as Savior and Lord, your actions will show that you do.
A real Christian business person may indicate that the business is Christian, but the terms and conditions, the business practices, everything about the business better reflect the Christian life.
It is not Biblical for Jews to charge interest of Jews.Beelzebaby666 said:I would think twice about calling them, but more because they are affiliated with bankers than because they claim to be affiliated with God. God doesn't want my money and he wouldn't charge me interest.
That could be expanded to Christians. See where the pursuit of money causes problems?
Isn't it the truth?