Pastors in NIgeria now exploit Tithe to amass wealth. They live in oppulence, while their gullible followers languish in poverty. Nigeria is today under a seige or an invasion from christian fundamentalists. Unlike in Europe, Churches here are replacing factories on daily basis. People are dailing looking for miracles. Please, suggest ways that would put a halt to this madness, if only to avert future religious crisis. I am an unbeliever, but I love my country and have sympathy for my ignorant countrymen and women who fall victims to these sweet-mouthed pastors.
2006-09-09 17:06:14 · 10 answers · asked by deleagbeyo 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Jewishgirl is right, it is expected that the congregation help to pay to keep the church running and part of that expense is the pastor and his family, but, should they be living an opulent lifestyle, probably not. If they TRULY meant what they were preaching they would probably be giving it back to the community. There is nothing wrong with obtaining wealth and enjoying the luxuries of life but i hope none of us thinks it should be off the backs of the poor or superstitious or undereducated.
2006-09-09 17:19:17 · answer #1 · answered by bobo 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
tithe collecting is practised by pious Jews at Jesus' time. It is not a new feature when church is founded.
If you suspect the fund collected is for personal gain. Do suggest an account audit. Pastors are held accountable both for God and His church -- he is not beyond scrutinising.
It is heard among Christian circle that Christianity is having a revival in African countries, which means number of new believers are exploding there. Is it the "madness" you mentioned?
If possible, do share what crisis you see is coming. I would very much like to know what's your view from an non-believer's perspective.
O BTW, I am a Christian.
2006-09-09 17:24:43 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the point of being a pastor is to amass wealth, then THAT'S not a church.
There's a lot of false Bible doctrine out there, the "health and wealth" doctrine is a false gospel.
End the madness by actually holding your pastors accountable to the Bible. That means people have to read it for themselves to make their pastors accountable. This will end the flim-flam artists' ministries.
2006-09-09 17:14:06 · answer #3 · answered by Bob L 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
People look for hope everywhere and as Nigeria is still superstitious these so-called pastors have taken the place of the old witch doctors. You can see this in Europe and the US too.
Jesus said give your money to the poor not the lazy and rich.
Your people have to figure this out for themselves.
Sorry, you can't make people's choices for them.
2006-09-09 17:12:22 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
In the book of Matthew, 22:21 it says: "So Jesus said to them, 'Well, then, pay to the Emperor what belongs to the Emperor and pay to God what belongs to God.' " There's also a place where he has Peter catch a fish with a coin in it's mouth to pay a temple tax. Christians believe that everything they have is because of God, so tithing is just giving back part of what God has given us.
2006-09-09 17:16:54 · answer #5 · answered by Purdey EP 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A major reason why I do not attend church today. Remember that priest (or whatever he was) that lost a ring a few years back? It was encrusted with diamonds and emeralds. Wouldn't a true man of God be inclined to share the value of that ring with people that can't even afford to eat? It all seems for profit nowadays. Check out the 700 club sometime. "Send us your donation, and God will reward you greatly" Whatever
2006-09-09 17:13:24 · answer #6 · answered by Nikki 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
there's a program called the shepherds chapel the pastor teaches for a solid hour then at the end he says if we've helped you please help us keep coming to you and that's that he doesn't even have a plate he has a box's buy the door he thinks it a personal thing between you and your lord ck him out 5.0 am every morning local channels
2006-09-09 17:35:49 · answer #7 · answered by Jimmy B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well actually from looking at all of your questions I think your from somewhere further northwest than africa.
The bible says we are to save 10% to give to the church and it also says we are to save 10% for a vacation every year..
Jesus didn;t throw out all the rules except for the ones that say how we get to heaven.
2006-09-09 17:15:19 · answer #8 · answered by deltaxray7 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
When Jesus said to give unto God what is God's, he was telling us to pay tithes.
If people do not pay their tithe how do you expect the Church to pay its bills, and wages.
2006-09-09 17:17:10 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
christians probably took this idea from the jewish commandment that 10% of their earnings had to be given to charity. giving it to priests is not charity.
its reasonable to ask the congregation for donations in order to keep a holy building running (after all, anybody who uses it is responsible for it), but lots of priests go too far.
2006-09-09 17:10:30 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋