If we had a neoChristian society, someone would have to be the neoChristian judge. That's what I meant by the arbiter Andrea. And what of their theology? Would it be George's? Undoubtedly it would not be Jesus'. Oddly, there are many takes on Christianity, thus the plethora of sects. What Jesus would undoubtedly call the traditions of men, he so roundly condemned the Jewish leadership for during his public ministry.

A> What determines who your brother is? What determines who your brother is? What determines who your brother is?

That passage of scripture was referring to Israelites, the people of Jews. Scripturally, a Christians brother or sister, or brethren, is other Christians, like blood family; and we're instructed to look upon the Jews as part of our family, though they are blinded for a time and do not view us that way in return presently.

A> So, Jesus did not talk about this at all? So, Jesus did not talk about this at all? So, Jesus did not talk about this at all?

Talking about wealth, or the abuse of power, wasn't his primary topic, though he did comment pointedly, when he did mention it. The Lord did not make use of euphenisms.

His primary message was that of repentance and that he had come to save that which was lost, his Father's chosen, the Jews.

Although, he gave the Sadduces and Pharisees, the Jewish religious elite, regular tongue lashings. Even following his resurrection the message was to the Jews, as you would see in the beginning of the Acts; Christianity only came about after the stoning of Stephen, for preaching Jesus, where Saul(the future Apostle to the gentiles-the road to Damascus chap that Jesus blinded, and instructed), who was fervently supporting the killing of Jesus' messengers to the Jews.

> This relates only to the Jews?  This relates only to the Jews?  This relates only to the Jews? 

The author was referring to neoChristians, who are the present predominant version of a long line of the, God shows he loves you by making you rich, variety of Christian (Now hurry up and pass the plate before you come to your senses).

A> Is this type of christianity growing in numbers? Is this type of christianity growing in numbers? Is this type of christianity growing in numbers?

Probably. Interestingly, in the latter portion of the third book of Revelation, Jesus Christ is speaking to the 7th angel of 7 named churches in asia minor:

14: And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; 15: I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16: So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 17: Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: 18: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 19: As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. 20: Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 21: To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. 22: He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

In explanation, the interesting part is that some believers, including myself, view these passages to the churches as not only literal corporate bodies of asia minor, at that time, but also as prophetic stages of the churches overall life span. Meaning the Laodicean church would correspond with the predominate condition of the overall body of Christianity at the end of the church age, or correspondingly, just prior to what is known as the rapture when Jesus returns in the clouds for his bride. So paying special attention to vs17, I would go so far as to say, at least in America, avarice, not spirituality, is the predominate characteristic to be expected among professing Christianity. Which is not to say they are in fact actual Christians, although among most every big bank account denomination there are bound to be some of us.

Hope that clarified those questions, and all are well.

Haven't forgotten you Peter-)