Im Christian, so this shocks me.?

Question

It is true that we cannot give our way into God's kingdom, and the way some churches seem stingy they really believe that.

Some churches seem impossible to get something out of them.
Why is it that they ask for money like the world has an unlimited supply but seem to give a very very little of their budget to help the cause of the poor, generally in foreign countries.

I am not trying to turn people off to our faith but to show people that Chrisitans do ask questions about the faith and do some serious research.

I am doing serious research on Jesus, Horus, Mithrais connection.

I still believe in my Jesus but I am still searching.
Just my thought for the evening before I fall asleep.

Gain two points and comment

Answer 1

Quite a few people ... just like yourself have reinvented religion so it would be more to their liking. Check them all out ... maybe one Will let you into heaven for doing good. I'd go thru the yellow pages.

If you can't find one ...you'll just have to start your own.

Answer 2

May I recommend that you sit down with your pastor some time and have him go over the church's budget. I think you may be surpirsed how much of the offering do go to works outside the local church. Most churches I know of begin by giving 10% of everything to help others. And most go beyond that.

You might also help you to see what the monthly bills for the church are. My own church, with the increase in fuel prices recently, is paying over $3000 a month just for heat and lights! we have a congregation of about 300, so you do the math to see what each person (nor family) would have to give just to keep the lights turned on. It cost a lot more just to keep a church open then most people realize.

One of the things that God talks about in the Bible is tithing. That is that Christians should give 10% (minimum) of their income to the church. A recent poll showed that all about 9% of church goers actually do that. So the average church is running on about 10% of what God expects them to have. No wonder they have to beg for money, and can't offer to help the poor or build schools and orphanages in needy countries, or feed the straving or provide doctors and medic to the sick.

Babies starve to death, and God gets the blame. When the problem is that His people are not doing their part to provide the money needed. If they would, the drop in welfare and other social programs would more than offset the amount the Christians give. Most churches handle their finances a whole lot better then the government does.

But of course, if the church ask people to do what they are suppose to in tithing, then "all the preacher wants is their money". And as my pastor always replies, "Yep! Because that what we need to save the world."

Answer 3

At last a true open-minded Christian out here....for that alone you already deserve an accolade...

You're right... you can't buy (or give) your way into Heaven. The churches who continually ask for checks and money (and do not give enough to the poor) are obviously hypocrites who are just extorting from their flocks like the money grubbing moths that they are. True charity and true compassion is best exemplified when you freely give, love and support people (especially the poor)...and I hope that those churches can see that (though for the likes of Pat Robertson this is highly doubtable).

May the Lord Jesus watch over you.

Answer 4

Religion has become a business. The leaders are far more worried about paying the bills than saving souls. It's one of the reasons I no longer attend church. I am a Christian and I worship God, just not in church. The budget items for helping the poor seem to get short shrift. I'd rather send my money directly to organizations that I have investigated, knowing my donations are well-spent. God bless!

Answer 5

Why would you be looking to "get" something from a church anyway? Not all churches are called by God to give to every cause. Sometimes, throwing money at an issue gets in the way of God doing His thing. They may need to have their backs up against a wall before God can really step in and cause change. Money doesn't solve issues. God does. All the money in the world won't change something if God won't have it.

Truth is, God has plenty of money to go around for all causes. He just can't find enough people to give it to to get His work done!

Answer 6

i understand that in the bible in Malachi 3:8-10 it states on our tithe. yes i believe that bringing to the storehouse . the offerings also. now i have questions on the vows and what not also. but i have seen some churches who do give to the homeless and to the children who have no food all across the world. then i have seen those who prosper from that. and there are those who are plain ol money hungry using the church as a business and forum for there money laundering and what not those are the ones who have appointed themselves to the ministry and not appointed or anointed by God. people try whatever they can to make money and unfortunately they go by people weakness, knowing that when we hurt and need soothing in our souls they use that as a boundary and play tricks with the giving too much as we do. that is why we must have a personal relationship with God and pray and ask him to give us discernment as to which is a playhouse and which is or storehouse of worship and fellowship and which is giving back and helping our people all over

Answer 7

When I was taking RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) classes to become a catholic. My pastor joked about taking our money. He said it was the last thing he was concerned about.

It's things like these that make such a thing as a magisterium important.

Might I point to an obvious answer on my part as a christian. If we truly understand and live according to Christ then we should be giving people by nature. I give, when I feel like it. If I can help someone, I do. Sometimes people take advantage, but what is taking advantage? If I make the free will choice to give, that's my choice. The only person to blame is myself. Why be mad at myself for choosing to help?

Faith is not just confined inside the building we hold mass. It is to spill out of the doors into the community. If you truly practice the faith than you will give to others around you. Help each other out.

I have nothing against tithing, although I don't quite understand it. Especially when people take a stance and say how they give their tithes in somewhat of a proud way. I heard one person comment how they had more comfortable seats in their church for people who gave more money. That's just blasphemous I think. Jesus kicked the money changers out of the temple.

Giving is much more than what's in your pocket. You can give to your church (community) in many ways.

Answer 8

Any (ANY) Christian church who ask for money from outside their congregation has completely missed God. That's like God's children begging for bread in the streets- God would not have it.

Now American Christian organizations (churches) send more money, food, and medical supplies to needy countries that all the governments in the world (except the USA).
If Christians are not working in an area, it only means that they have been killed or then can not get in.

Answer 9

First of all, you are exactly right; no one can give their way into God's kingdom. The only way into God's kingdom is through the blood of Jesus Christ. I honestly do not know the statistics as far as what churches give what. But when I give my tithes and offerings, I try to give them as the Holy Spirit leads me. I usually give to several different ministries; not just to my local church. I try to know that I am giving to a ministry that is faithful to God in every way. But one thing is for sure, as long as we give as God commands us to do, once we have given and been obedient, we are no longer responsible for the way the money is used. But then the responsibility falls into the hands of those who are receiving the money. If they do not use it as God would have them to do, you can rest assured that their ministry will not last for very long; whetber it be a church, or an evangelist, or whatever kind of ministry it may be. Just give as God tells you to do, and you will be ok. Rest assured, those who misuse God's money, will pay for it just as we have to pay for every other sin which we commit intentionally. Just leave the matter in God's hands.

Answer 10

People give where they feel led to give, the same with Churches. You complaining because they don't give to what you think they should give to is kind of silly, isn't it? How can you possibly know what "some" churches give their money to?????? It may surprise you how much money they DO give to help the poor, especially in foreign countries.

Answer 11

wow this is deep but i shall try to give a little insight on your question
the church is not set to give charity the building which you all call church is set up for 4 things only and here i shall educate you on all 4!

Sunday gatherings
special functions such as plays 7girl/boy scouts
Weddings
Funerals
nothing else never!
you if homeless would nor cold get help from them and they would never allow you shelter!
also you may have been going there all your life and given them thousand of dollars and you fine your self in hard ship and here is how and what they will only do for you
they will pass that bucket around only after they take their initial passing for money! now that is so deep no other religion does this none!
try it for your self all whom disagree with me!
don't tell everyone your business but only tell the pastor of your church you need so &so for so & so and what what happens!
its not that he is refusing please dont get me wrong they do not put money up for the members of the church!