the most perfect way to live.

[Virtual_Cliff]

It all depends on whether it is genuine spirituality or vanity. No-one would accuse Jesus or the Dalai Lama of being spiritually acquisitive would they?

[17th Angel]

Hmm, jesus was spiritually acquisitive..

[Eudaimonist]

Originally Posted by paul

is it not more perfect that we give up all needless worldly things and seek more to live in a love that is beneficial to all?

What is a needless worldly thing? Isn't that determined by context?

How can one possibly live in a way beneficial to all? How would one know if one had benefitted everyone else?

gold and jewels seem to be in all religions usually in a place of worship, they are even of nature, but what good is of them?

Gold is pretty to look at, and makes good jewelry and conductors. Jewelry can be used as a form of self-expression, and is used in important symbolism, such as marriage. Gold may also make a better monetary standard than fiat money.

It seems that there is plenty of good here.

is it not better to worship in more simple places, and be more concerned with helping others than decorating a building,

No, not necessarily. If spending more money on a place of worship helps to create a more spiritually meaningful or ecstatic reaction in the worshipper, or is an aide to fellowship, it may be of spiritual benefit.

If we sacrfice of our worldly wealth, to help others, of a pure heart, then isn't this the sacrfice God seeks.

I'm more concerned with spiritual growth than sacrifices.

Wouldn't it be beautiful if we lived by this Spirit today?

Not for me.

eudaimonia,

Mark

[Prober]

"I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread." Psalm 37:25