a big house, drive nice cars, and fly around the world? Before you answer, bear in mind that many write books, and own private businesses outside the ministry. This question is a result of a mean email sent to me, so I'm curious as to how many think like this.
2007-01-21 15:17:25 · 16 answers · asked by Heaven's Messenger 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Abslutey not... as long as they aren't getting their wealth by manipulaing members into tithing
2007-01-21 15:33:45 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Hmm... this is a loaded question. If a good Christian minister happened to have a large house, that minister should, and probably would, use it to shelter those who needed housing. If a good Christian minister drove a nice car, they would probably drive it to hospitals to visit the sick and elderly, to the local prison to minister to the incarcerated, and to local charitable organizations to help with whatever they happened to need. If a good Christian minster flew inter-continentally, that person might be someone who speaks and preaches to large groups and conferences. If you actually thought about it, there are VERY few wealthy ministers. Most just get by with what God and their parishoners give them. Most are not prideful. You hear about the wealthy ministers on the media, but do not assume that most Christian pastors are wealthy. It simply isn't true.
2007-01-21 15:31:57 · answer #2 · answered by Iamnotarobot (former believer) 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
God gave the Rich Young Ruler riches and that man lived a very exemplary life. But, when it came time to make the cut he could not do it. "His" riches stood in "his" way. It is also written that some men's sins go before them and some follow after.
It does not matter what we think or how many of us think a thing is so. What matters is what God thinks.
If your spirit tells you that a situation is shaky or unsound, and your understanding agrees with the Word, then move away from such concerns and lay up your own treasurers in heaven.
2007-01-21 17:10:25 · answer #3 · answered by Tommy 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First let me say i am not a Christian anymore so my answer may surprise you as I am very anti Christian.
I see nothing wrong with preachers having nice things. It really depends on how large their church is and like you say how many books they write and sell and son.
I do think it is wrong to have these people who are only interested n riches and deceive and manipulate people in the name of God to get rich. a good example of this is Marfoe Gortner, but at least marjoe had enough good in him to expose this wrong by his documentary exposing his own ministry in his movie Marjoe.
2007-01-21 15:33:23 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If the members of their congregation think they are providing a valuable service and they make an open decision to reward their minister for that service, I don't see a problem with it.
But anyone who gives money to a religious organization that lets the minister determine their own compensation without letting anyone else in on how much they are making is just stupid.
2007-01-21 15:26:01 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am a Christian.I pay my tithes.I obey Gods word of giving.
What the pastor does with the money is between him and God.
But the word said "that God will open Heaven and pour out His blessing."
All people who give should be blessed.It is a promise.
But I think that if you only shop in Beverly Hills,and they have your name on the door.EVIL.You have passed over into the world.<><
2007-01-21 16:25:35 · answer #6 · answered by funnana 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why would it be any more wrong than if you or I lived that way? We all are accountable for our own lives and someday we all have to answer to God. When I was growing up most ministers lived very poorly. One told me once that they were paid with chickens and vegetables. I guess it can be about how grateful we are for what we are given or have earned and what we contribute.
2007-01-21 15:30:15 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
In general, yes, but it depends on where the money comes from.
If they are getting money by abusing funds that come from the donations of their church members or by other unrelated activities.
The more important considerations are always internal between the individual and God.
2007-01-21 15:27:37 · answer #8 · answered by rostov 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
While God doesn't want his children to be beggars remember calling yourself a Christian minister and BEING a messenger of the true word are two different things.
2007-01-21 15:25:03 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
Honestly, I am a little suspicious of pastors who are that materialistic. I think that it is fine to have a nice modest home and lifestyle. I would think that as you further your walk with Christ, you would want to give anything beyond your basic needs to help others less fortunate.
2007-01-21 15:32:53 · answer #10 · answered by Suzie Q 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Of course it's wrong. After all, the bible tells us that It's more likely that a camel will pass through the eye of a needle than a rich man will enter into heaven. Right?
2007-01-21 15:26:49 · answer #11 · answered by M L 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋