Did you read my above post about people using religion to avoid/discourage honest criticism?
Stop using religion as an excuse for misbehavior.
Excuse the edits, but I wanted to get to the meat of the argument.
How is that? Lets review
People on here have claimed that Joel does not give to the poor and insinuated that he unrightfully takes advantage of the poor. Thats a serious accusation. A major Ad Hominem indeed. Is there any proof of this? No.
Has any been presented? He doesn't share his financial statements. Hmm, what exactly does he have to gain from doing this. More criticism of hey it should be in this charity instead of that or it should be more.
Honest criticism is by its nature honest-- not false accusation without proof.
Bill Gates gives a lot to the poor but drives $100,000 porche. Is that justified? I bet Joel could give half away and still have what he has. Half is not enough, no.. show me where it says that. If you mention the passage where Jesus is referring to a specific man does that mean you should pick up your bed room mattress and walk too? Serious question.
On the Sermon of the Mount-- does he say give all your money to the poor?
When someone makes a claim that they know its supposed to be a certain way and they want to throw the bible at me-- I say bring it on. I would love to learn something new.
You mentioned the afterlife
“His spirit goes out, he returns to the ground; on that very day his thoughts perish.”
Psalm 146:4
“The living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing at all . . . Whatever your hand finds to do, do with all your might, for there is no work nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom in the Grave, where you are going.”
Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10
Thats a Jehova Witnes argument by the way. I am familiar with them and the Catholics, the Baptists, the Mormons, the Scientologists, and Zen Buddhists. Been to each church and temple except the Mormons. I forgot to mention that my wife comes from a jewish family, I have been to a synagog, and that my some of my German ancestry claims to be Ashkenazic Jew.
Im not sure the bible is clear on this but if it comforts you that your ancestors look over you then I say it can't be disproven either. The bible is unclear. I think it is wise to steer around areas where the bible is unclear and beware of additions of man that ask for money. Man has always found a way to make the most despicable things profitable. I realize what I just said could horrify most Christians. I am not most. I will tell you I am certain when Jesus comes down and shakes my hand. That was doubting Thomas' position and if Christ didn't find fault with it why would I? I do believe in Christ. I will not profess that I know exactly what he wants. I think Joel is wise to steer around many of these muddy waters. If God wanted them to be clear they would be.