Evil cult in Dublin city centre

Lazare · 27-06-2007 11:02pm #1

I was working in a ladies house today. She is originally from Africa and living here almost a decade. At midday, the angelus came on the radio and we got talking about religion.

I had heard her on the phone earlier and she seemed to be having an uncomfortable conversation with somebody. Anyway, we were chatting away and she told me that recently she was going through a tough time and her friend brought her along to a christian church in Dublin city centre run by Africans, to get her through her troubles.

She said at first she really enjoyed it, they were singing and playing African music, and in general it was a nice place. After some visits she noticed the minister was talking a lot about how the bible says that everybody should pay 10% of everything they earn to god, and this seemed to be the central theme.

When the collection basket came around she took out some change to put in, and her friend stopped her and said 'No,no you must give more', while herself putting €200 into the basket! Her friend insisted she must give this to 'god'.

Well, needless to say she got the fcuk out of dodge, but they have been calling relentlessly ever since (the minister and two of his staff). Each time they call they keep telling her the bible states she must give 10% of her earnings to them. She is in the process of changing her phone numbers.

This is the best bit, the minister himself called to her house demanding to know why she hadn't come back. I cynically asked her what car was he driving. He was driving a brand new Mercedes, had an Armani suit on with designer shoes a Dolce & Gabbana tie, and a €5000 Tag heuer watch!

I just could not believe how he could be so blatant, and how people were falling for it. She told me the parishioners, mostly Africans, some Irish and eastern Europeans all seemed brain washed.

I asked her why she doesn't just tell them to fcuk off, and she said she's terrified because she has small children, she said..'you don't know what these people are capable of'

I found the whole thing quite shocking and hard to believe. She didn't want to tell me the name of the church, but I'm going to look a bit further into it and contact a newspaper and the Guards.

Has anyone else ever heard of this?

Stephen · 27-06-2007 11:04pm

Tithes, how very medieval.

mikemac · 27-06-2007 11:05pm

Name and shame!

Or least, can you advise us of any mass services we might attend;)

Edit: I see you don't know but keep us informed.
Reminds me of those preachers you see in the southern states of America

admiralofthefleet · 27-06-2007 11:06pm

i know of an extremely dangerous and vile cult that has operated in this country for a while, its called the catholic church i believe

The Queen · 27-06-2007 11:06pm

Oh my god! I'd throw the frickin bible... The nerve of him! Has to be a scam of sorts...

Id love to know where it says about the 10%

"And Moses said unto them - Give 10% of your earnings to our Lord. Yep boyos, hand over the fish...." :rolleyes:

stepbar · 27-06-2007 11:07pm

I think you mean the Socialist Party....

Robbo · 27-06-2007 11:07pm

Lazare wrote:

Has anyone else ever heard of this?

Giving 10% of your earnings to the church? That's called tithing and has been around since the dawn of 'istory. Well possibly a bit after.

Each to their own daffy beliefs.

Lazare · 27-06-2007 11:09pm

The Queen wrote:

Oh my god! I'd throw the frickin bible... The nerve of him! Has to be a scam of sorts...

Id love to know where it says about the 10%

"And Moses said unto them - Give 10% of your earnings to our Lord. Yep boyos, hand over the fish...." :rolleyes:

My thoughts exactly, the words he used were, 'you have to give a dime', he told her this meant 10% of her hard earned.

Lazare · 27-06-2007 11:10pm

Robbo wrote:

Giving 10% of your earnings to the church? That's called tithing and has been around since the dawn of 'istory. Well possibly a bit after.

Each to their own daffy beliefs.

I suppose it's only been noticed for the sham it is since the Mercedes was invented.

Hitchhiker's Guide to... · 27-06-2007 11:12pm

/obligatory:

Father Ted: It's not as if everyone's going to go off and join some mad religious cult just because we go off for a picnic for a couple of hours.

Father Dougal: God, Ted, I heard about those cults. Everyone dressing in black and saying our Lord's gonna come back and judge us all!

Father Ted: No... No, Dougal, that's us. That's Catholicism.

l3rian · 27-06-2007 11:14pm

i dont believe this... name the church

January · 27-06-2007 11:15pm

Used to have to do this when I was a "born again Christian". 10% of my earnings to the church, needless to say I was supporting the american family who had come over to pastor the church living in a nice cushy five bedroomed house in kildare.

Lazare · 27-06-2007 11:18pm

l3rian wrote:

i dont believe this... name the church

She wouldn't tell me the name of it. All I know is it's behind Moore st.

Numina · 27-06-2007 11:21pm

I wouldn't exactly call the cult evil.....

Collie D · 27-06-2007 11:25pm

Numina wrote:

I wouldn't exactly call the cult evil.....

...just greedy but if I could persuade people to give me ten per cent of their wages I would so fair play to them if people are that gullible. A fool and his money...

Robbo · 27-06-2007 11:29pm

At least the Church of the Subgenius is honest about this kind of thing.

Eternal salvation or triple your money back!

Lazare · 27-06-2007 11:32pm

Numina wrote:

I wouldn't exactly call the cult evil.....

They're hassling her every day to the point where she's concerned for the safety of her children. They're taking advantage of vulnerable people while at the same time swanning around in designer gear and flash cars.
It just crosses over into evil for me.

tony 2 tone · 27-06-2007 11:36pm

stepbar wrote:

I think you mean the Socialist Party....

stepbar · 27-06-2007 11:38pm

Members of the Socialist party pay over a certain amount of their wages to "de party". Cult I tell ya!!!!!

Sangre · 27-06-2007 11:39pm

The Queen wrote:

Oh my god! I'd throw the frickin bible... The nerve of him! Has to be a scam of sorts...

Id love to know where it says about the 10%

"And Moses said unto them - Give 10% of your earnings to our Lord. Yep boyos, hand over the fish...." :rolleyes:

Eh.. the Bible mentions tithing numerous times. It doesn't specifically say you have to do it but its pretty easy to read into it that you should.

Nevyn · 27-06-2007 11:41pm

If they are a church they need to be registred and she should pass the information about then on to the revenue.

crosstownk · 27-06-2007 11:41pm

Lazare wrote:

It just crosses over into evil for me.

I'd agree with this.

People tend to turn to religion when they are going through troubled times. To prey on people, when they feel they are at a disadvantage is wrong, evil.

I know this isn't the case 100% of the time, but it does happen. If people are stupid enough to give away money then that's one thing, but if people are looking for spiritual assistance, and are subsequently exploited because they were distracted by other 'life' events, then that's kinda evil in my book.

muppetkiller · 27-06-2007 11:44pm

Thaedydal wrote:

If they are a church they need to be registred and she should pass the information about then on to the revenue.

Yip that's what i'd do...

philstar · 27-06-2007 11:48pm

an evil cult......

the wealthiest organisation in the world.....is the catholic church

so when you're finished investigating that african crowd why don't you look into them:rolleyes:

Lazare · 27-06-2007 11:59pm

philstar wrote:

an evil cult......

the wealthiest organisation in the world.....is the catholic church

so when you're finished investigating that african crowd why don't you look into them:rolleyes:

I have to say, that's a very good point. Funny enough, I have been doing a little research into the R.C cult and the extravagant building that took place during the famine, the fact that the worlds foremost architect was drafted in to design lavish palaces with gold leaf ceilings,while millions starved to death or emigrated, but that's another day's work.

Guy:Incognito · 28-06-2007 12:07am

Lazare wrote:

I cynically asked her what car was he driving. He was driving a brand new Mercedes, had an Armani suit on with designer shoes a Dolce & Gabbana tie, and a €5000 Tag heuer watch!

Shes awful specific about brands (and price in the case of the watch). Barring the Merc (unless it was a 91 Sunny with Merc badges:) ) the rest could easily be fakes.

Dont the mormons do a % "donation" thing as well. Seems to be a few of them at it.

I think the money pays for you travel ticket to heaven.

Not sticking up for this "church" but it all sounds too well constructed (her story)

adrieanne__x wrote:

The bastards back stabbed me and I left. Haven't returned since.

Interesting story? Do tell.

Lazare · 28-06-2007 12:16am

Stekelly wrote:

Shes awful specific about brands (and price in the case of the watch). Barring the Merc (unless it was a 91 Sunny with Merc badges:) ) the rest could easily be fakes.

Dont the mormons do a % "donation" thing as well. Seems to be a few of them at it.

Not sticking up for this "church" but it all sounds too well constructed (her story)

She worked in a high end jewellers before, she recognised the watch. So you reckon he can afford a €65k car, but not a €2k suit?

Guy:Incognito · 28-06-2007 12:22am

Lazare wrote:

She worked in a high end jewellers before, she recognised the watch. So you reckon he can afford a €65k car, but not a €2k suit?

Well in fairness, but for different reasons, if I wanted to impress someone or appear rich I could rent a high end car for a few days amd get some decent copies of brand clothes fairly easily. Obviously , if true, these guys are making a fortune but I'm just tryign to makt the point that appearign rich doesnt always equal being rich.

Bottle_of_Smoke · 28-06-2007 12:24am

Sounds a bit like Yahweh ben Yahweh & the Yahwehs, saw a discovery channel documentary & if they're anything similar she's bloody right to be worried about small children

Yahweh ben Yahweh

nation of yahweh

Lazare · 28-06-2007 12:25am

Stekelly wrote:

Well in fairness, but for different reasons, if I wanted to impress someone or appear rich I could rent a high end car for a few days amd get some decent copies of brand clothes fairly easily. Obviously , if true, these guys are making a fortune but I'm just tryign to makt the point that appearign rich doesnt always equal being rich.

That is possible, I just can't see his motives for doing it.

Nevyn · 28-06-2007 12:31am

A lot of the new and establishing churches are looking to do what other's have done and by land and build a place of worship.

bug · 28-06-2007 12:35am

Lazare wrote:

She wouldn't tell me the name of it. All I know is it's behind Moore st.

I think I know where this is.
Went up a lane there recently in the car to turnaround and happened upon a warehousey looking place with a lot of well-dressed people outside, and gospel music to beat the band.

The answer to this woman's plight is the revenue commissioners.

Hitchhiker's Guide to... · 28-06-2007 12:58am

there's something a little bit dodge about this story. just not sure what it is.

/anyway

the idea of a tithe is very common in the US, where you are actually expected to set up a direct debit even for mainstream churches (according to what US friends have told me)

the_syco · 28-06-2007 2:17am

micmclo wrote:

Or least, can you advise us of any mass services we might attend;)

PWEASE tell me! Me wants to pop in with shaved head, full length trenchcoat, and tell them to f*ck off when they ask me.

Roundtower2 wrote:

/obligatory:

Father Ted: It's not as if everyone's going to go off and join some mad religious cult just because we go off for a picnic for a couple of hours.

Father Dougal: God, Ted, I heard about those cults. Everyone dressing in black and saying our Lord's gonna come back and judge us all!

Father Ted: No... No, Dougal, that's us. That's Catholicism.

Cheers man. This has made me smile

ctc_celtic · 28-06-2007 2:45am

remember people, that 10% of your gross earning not net,
send the basket around again.

Agent Smith · 28-06-2007 8:40am

Are donations to religious organisations not tax deductable?

Agent Smith · 28-06-2007 8:40am

Are donations to religious organisations not tax deductable?

Wossack · 28-06-2007 8:47am

can they clear out my body-thetans? otherwise, this ones _definately_ a scam

ellenmelon · 28-06-2007 9:18am

crosstownk wrote:

I'd agree with this.

People tend to turn to religion when they are going through troubled times. To prey on people, when they feel they are at a disadvantage is wrong, evil.

I know this isn't the case 100% of the time, but it does happen. If people are stupid enough to give away money then that's one thing, but if people are looking for spiritual assistance, and are subsequently exploited because they were distracted by other 'life' events, then that's kinda evil in my book.

i agree. theres a controversial church here in nz (http://www.destinychurch.org.nz/) that does attract a lot of people that are struggling with life and they are expected to tithe..to "further the ministry" and all that. im sorry, but if you KNOW someone is having a hard time of it (even if their life has improved a bit ) and expect them to tithe thats just NASTY. the contributions tab on their website says "Your seed-faith donation makes it possible for Bishop Tamaki to bring the saving and healing power of Jesus Christ to the world."...uh yeah how? making sure he wears the best suits?
i have way more issues with this 'church' than the tithing thing but yeah..id be here all day.

bandit*baby · 28-06-2007 9:47am

Lazare wrote:

This is the best bit, the minister himself called to her house demanding to know why she hadn't come back. I cynically asked her what car was he driving. He was driving a brand new Mercedes, had an Armani suit on with designer shoes a Dolce & Gabbana tie, and a €5000 Tag heuer watch!

that money was just resting in his account!!!

bandit*baby · 28-06-2007 9:51am

philstar wrote:

an evil cult......

the wealthiest organisation in the world.....is the catholic church

so when you're finished investigating that african crowd why don't you look into them:rolleyes:

can't remember the last time a priest driving a merc and wearing a dolce and gabana suit threatening my family if i didnt hand over 10% of my earnings .... that must be just your parish so????

PDN · 28-06-2007 9:58am

bug wrote:

I think I know where this is.
Went up a lane there recently in the car to turnaround and happened upon a warehousey looking place with a lot of well-dressed people outside, and gospel music to beat the band.

The answer to this woman's plight is the revenue commissioners.

Actually there's a lot of African churches in that area. I know quite a few of the pastors and none of them are wealthy, in fact most of them live on low incomes. This sounds like an urban legend to me. I can understand it's popularity since it's directed against both a racial minority and a religious minority.

Papergirl 1 · 28-06-2007 10:00am

Roundtower2 wrote:

/obligatory:

Father Ted: It's not as if everyone's going to go off and join some mad religious cult just because we go off for a picnic for a couple of hours.

Father Dougal: God, Ted, I heard about those cults. Everyone dressing in black and saying our Lord's gonna come back and judge us all!

Father Ted: No... No, Dougal, that's us. That's Catholicism.

Ha ha.....No Dougal, as I said before, that money was just resting in my account.

Duggy747 · 28-06-2007 10:04am

*Lights pitchfork on fire* Let's chase them ther dang gollywogs outta her', the power of our Lord and Saviour Christ compells you. Worship the Lord or die you heatens.

Hmm, like someone stated before it does seem a bit too constructed (The price and make of his watch.) but that been said it is known to happen, though I don't think any case has been ever reported in this country.

berengar · 28-06-2007 10:05am

Ladies house ?

what is this ¿?

Degsy · 28-06-2007 10:18am

There's another one of those churches on westland row,the masses take place at the back of a bookshop aand it seems exclusively for africans.I wonder what would happen if i showed up one sunday..

GhostInTheRuins · 28-06-2007 10:31am

I've heard of this before. They even have one of those meeting places in the industrial estate in Glasnevin, so they must have plenty of cash as those buildings are extremely expensive to rent.

SimpleSam06 · 28-06-2007 11:17am

There are some extraordinarily nasty cults that have migrated recently from sub-saharan Africa, and they shouldn't be underestimated in terms of the trouble they can cause. They are of the same ilk as the nuts in the bible belt in the USA, (those same monkeys responsible for the recent intelligent design buffonery), and are known to use a variety of well documented techniques to ensure loyalty and income from their parishioners.

I'm not usually one to support the actions of monarchy, but I find myself in full support of those rulers who lashed those cults out of Europe back in the day, and forced them to flee to the US. Unfortunately, those who escaped are now coming back to haunt us.

As for a tithe, it is a very common method for religious organisations to maintain their existence, in fact in several European countries the tithe is taken out of your wages at the same time as your taxes, and paid to the religion you are registered under. If you don't want to pay, you sign a form stating you are not part of any religious organisation, and they then can refuse to offer you sacraments and religious services.

In my opinion, these groups prey on the weak and those going through a troubled time, and leverage methods that should be illegal to ensure they stay with the cult when times get better. They should be scourged wholesale from our society and used as a lesson for schoolchildren to learn for posterity.

philstar · 28-06-2007 12:18pm

bandit*baby wrote:

can't remember the last time a priest driving a merc and wearing a dolce and gabana suit threatening my family if i didnt hand over 10% of my earnings .... that must be just your parish so????

maybe so....but have you seen the big palace the pope is living in i.e. the vatican

the guy is sitting on a mountain of money, but will he pay off the third world depth which he could easily do??.....not at all.... that would be too "Christan"

he's probably just holding on to it for when all the sex-abuse law suits come around

bandit*baby · 28-06-2007 12:28pm

philstar wrote:

maybe so....but have you seen the big palace the pope is living in i.e. the vatican

the guy is sitting on a mountain of money, but will he pay off the third world depth which he could easily do??.....not at all.... that would be too "Christan"

he's probably just holding on to it for when all the sex-abuse law suits come around

the point i was trying to make if you could get off the anti-christian band wagon for two minutes is that your post about the christian church being one of the/the wealthiest organisations in the world is not comparable to to some man who is clearly a con artist harrassing you for a large some of money and making you fear for the safety of your family....

Degsy · 28-06-2007 12:36pm

philstar wrote:

maybe so....but have you seen the big palace the pope is living in i.e. the vatican

the guy is sitting on a mountain of money, but will he pay off the third world depth which he could easily do??.....not at all.... that would be too "Christan"

he's probably just holding on to it for when all the sex-abuse law suits come around

So could Bono...

Evil cult in Dublin city centre

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