2006-10-24 22:05:49 · 29 answers · asked by joju 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I don't believe it is. I don't see anything wrong with accepting gifts, but not charge people for spiritual guidance.
2006-10-25 01:21:38 · answer #1 · answered by riverstorm13 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No. It is a form of simony and is akin to the buying or selling of ecclesiastical pardons, offices, or emoluments.The word derives from the Latin simonia, after Simon Magus, a sorcerer who tried to buy spiritual powers from the Apostle Peter (Acts 8:9–24). While it is completely abhorrent to charge for spiritual guidance or counselling, it is at the same time recognised that fees may be paid to visiting preachers who otherwise would find it impossible to defray their expenses and in the Established Church there are standard fees for the conducting of weddings and funerals which a priest is taxed on even if he chooses to waive them. I have come across an instance where a priest had a wonderful healing ministry. While he would never have accepted money for helping people, he decided eventually that it would not be objectionable for people to express their gratitude by contributing to a fund for the eventual building of a healing centre.
2006-10-25 05:22:37 · answer #2 · answered by Doethineb 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think so. If it's counselling or life-coaching then you should charge money but not for spiritual guidance. As one is talking about spirituality, then an integral part of this is the idea of giving of yourself. So, in that case, I think it would be hypocritical of the person giving the guidance to charge for this: they wouldn't be setting a very good example.
2006-10-25 05:09:48 · answer #3 · answered by Jamsie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, however donating money to a church is to just keep the church going financially. They have people to pay for helping clean, and other things. Bookkeepers, and such. The minister also has a family to feed. I do not think of the money that is given to a church as a offering is charging for spiritual guidance. That is different. A lot of money from churches go to charitable causes as well.
2006-10-25 05:11:32 · answer #4 · answered by shardf 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do not think it is ever acceptable to charge money or request something from people in exchange for spiritual guidance. One should give spiritual guidance freely. If, however, people wish to offer you money or some other gift as a way of showing they appreciate you taking the time to listen and give spiritual guidance then one should accept that gift from the person, but then give that gift to the Divine to avoid allowing the ego to get attached to such gifts and cause a person to get corrupted by materialism. Ways to offer gifts to the Divine 1) if one has a home altar, place it as an offering on the altar and pray that the Divine will bless it and show you how to use it wisely (if food, for example, either eat it or find ways to use the food to allow others without food to enjoy it) 2) offer it to others who need it (give it away) 3) use it wisely so that it benefits not only yourself, but others 4) use it only for the Divine (if it is money, for example, buy useful items for your altar like incense, candles, flowers, fruit, etc...do not use the money for clothes, housing, etc, but only items for the temple room or altar...or for someone else's altar, temple room, etc, but never use it on personal items).
That's just my humble opinion, though, and it is reflected in how I lead the local satsang I organize.
2006-10-25 05:28:41 · answer #5 · answered by gabriel_zachary 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
no, spiritual guidance, is something that everyone can get for free on there own, plus if it spiritual, why go against the whole meaning of the word by charging money, that would be more sell out type behavior, like fortune tellers, or phsycics.
2006-10-25 05:09:26 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. And I think that the corporate Christian church is turning people off by all the money grubbing. Jesus clearly said that we are not to teach for "filthy lucre". (MONEY) It makes me sick to see pastors in their shark skin suits, driving their brand new Corvettes and so on. Then they pretend they can relate to someone in poverty??? Please! Giving money to a church is fine, but no one should feel obligated. And this is my personal belief, but I think monies collected from church congregations should be spent on helping the families that go to that church as well as supporting other charities. I've attended many different churches and not once have I been to one that helped a member pay a bill or something like that. I'm assuming churches are out there that do that, but I haven't ever found one. Peace.
2006-10-25 05:25:41 · answer #7 · answered by superfluity 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it has to be specified to the intent here....
if its being done for the money... well, thats not good.
but charging an amount because you have to have some form of income to live, and what your doing with your time, is this help, well... thats reasonable.
one could also make a point that it devalues the assistance to not require payment... anyone can give free advice, but can everyone give advice that makes the person satisfied enough to be willing to pay what they can?
its all about intent IMO.
2006-10-25 05:31:21 · answer #8 · answered by RW 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No it isn't, but on the other hand, a person offering spiritual guidance does need food to eat, clothes on his/her back and somewhere to sleep (as does everyone).
2006-10-25 05:30:10 · answer #9 · answered by kristalshyt 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What a stupid question.
Of course, they have to charge money. These priest and pastor has family to support and scholarship tuition expenses to recover.
Nothing comes free, even salvation of soul (whatever that means)
2006-10-25 05:22:38 · answer #10 · answered by the_talking_donkee 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋