Free

I get that socialism doesn't/hasn't worked.  It just sort of sounds good on paper...if the paper isn't very deep.

I sort of like the idea of voluntary socialism.  I tend to vote for candidates who give more to charity than their opponents.  I think it speaks to their generocity and also to what they really believe in.  It's not the only factor...but it's one.

I like the idea of a church body/family that freely gives to those in need.  I'm not as much a fan of standards of giving because it takes it from a choice and moves it to an obligation.  I also wonder sometimes if folks would be even more generous if they weren't held to some sort of standard. 

None of this is what I'm thinking about right now.  I'm just starting to ask the question - should churches/Christians/I charge money for their/our services and/or messages?  Should I stop doing this/ and also this...?

I've been paid to write/speak/act/teach/perform for a bunch of groups...so this is all about me. (I'm just saying that this isn't about you Rick Warren...or you and your angelic voice Michael W. Smith)

I've always admired the idea of giving away to the world what God has given me...but it sure is nice to get paid.

So when my friend asks me to ghost write for his next book, or I'm asked to speak at that thing at St. Craigs....or to do a training conference in Motown...aren't these messages that I want to share with the world?  Wouldn't it make sense for me to make them as accesible as possible?  Wouldn't making them free help to spread the message more?  Should they bring back the show Ed?  These are the questions I'm wrestling with right now.

I'm also thinking of buying a cape.  Something simple and understated.