What I mean to say is, is it really christian to tyhe people into bankruptcy. Does good really want you to go to a crystal cathedral to honor him? Are these people running the mega churches really have their congregations best intrest? Is it fair for the pastors wife to wear a $3000 dress while the people in the pews are having to take the bus to get to these services? Do they really need multi-million dollars sound systems? Would this money donated in the name of god be better served helping the community this church is in? And do they really need to go to third world countries to save people? Arent there plenty of people in each american city who need our help jsut as much or more than the third world people?
2007-02-03 17:45:43 · 20 answers · asked by Richard L 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I COMPLETELY AGREE WITH YOUR FRUSTRATIONS!!!
I visited the Chrystal Cathedral some 10 years ago and at first I was amazed how beautiful it was. But, now I look back and I am a little dismayed about how much money has been put in the building when it could have been used for a much worthier purpose.
Jesus came to feed and SERVE the poor. This is Jesus - the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. And he was called to feed and serve the poor? Wow!
And here we are, believers, and we think we're better than that???
I think we shoudl follow Jesus' example. Feed and serve the poor, take care of the widows and the orphans, share the word of God etc. The church is NOT the building, it is the body that gathers in the name of Jesus to do his will.
As far as visiting 3rd world cities. I believe some people are called to be missionaries to other countries, but as for the rest of us, our mission field is where we are at! In our work places, on our streets, etc. There are MANY non believers in north america that are crying out for help and are being ignored.
Wow - what a sad world!
2007-02-03 17:54:03 · answer #1 · answered by danae_rachelle 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I SO agree with you! As an ex-Seventh Day Adventist, paying tithe (which is 10% of your gross income) was a weekly ritual. We also still contributed with the Church offering (which I think allegedly funded differing missions, usually off-shore) and then there was also investments - I don't know what that went towards, I think the actual Church. I have also heard of people being pressured by their church elders to sign over their assets to the church in their wills. I recall a verse in the Bible that instructs not to accumulate riches on Earth, so how do the corporate churches justify it? They operate like a business and have many business interests, yet they qualify to pay a reduced tax of only 2% on all income! It is corrupt. It is one thing I admire the Church of Satan (or the Satanic Church) for ... they qualify for the 2% tax but refuse to accept it and instead opt to pay the same tax as any other business. They also actively campaign for the requirement of all churches to be treated, and thus taxed, as businesses.
2007-02-03 18:08:20 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
People cannot tithe their way into bankruptcy. Since a biblical tithe is only 10% of your income. If you cant make it on 90% then you probably cant make it on 100%. I find that DEBT is the culprit of most bankruptcies. As far as the amount of money they make, well that's between them and God. Cause technically God is the (Pastor's, Ministers, Clergies) Boss. If you lead MILLIONS of people in your Job everyday to do exactly what your Boss wanted out of you , You would expect compensation for that, right? or do you work for free? As far as helping out people in other countries I don't know why that's an issue. In this country we have all kinds of Social Services to help along with every Church in every city - that do help people in need everyday. Hope this helps.
2007-02-03 18:10:17 · answer #3 · answered by Ellie B Good 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
They do not need multi-million dollar sound systems. Many churches are only there to make money and not to serve God. When looking for a church home, one should investigate on how that church spends money.
2007-02-03 19:10:04 · answer #4 · answered by Annie Rod 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Jehovah's Witnesses don't pay tithes. When Christ died, the Law covenant was fulfilled and nullified; this includes tithing. (Rom. 6:14; 1 Cor. 9:14) The $ tithe represented the tithe that Christians give both with $ and with time in memorial to our dedication to Jehovah God. (Heb. 10:1) We do collect donations but these are strictly voluntary. It's best to give what you have resolved in your own ♥ (2 Cor 9:7) rather than be made to give a certain $ amount.
As for the 3rd world country people needing help, there are about 100,000 congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses worldwide and many are in the countries you speak of as well as the US. Many are learning about Jehovah and his Son, Jesus Christ and have improved lives. Here's a link talking about what Witnesses do for the world wide community: http://www.jw-media.org/people/contribute.htm
2007-02-03 18:00:46 · answer #5 · answered by ♥☺ bratiskim∞! ☺♥ 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
You generalize too much. Come to our neighborhood church and help serve the homeless at our local soup kitchen.
As for helping people in third world countries... That needs doing too. Did you think the United Nations will take care of all the poor and starving people of the world?
2007-02-03 17:54:51 · answer #6 · answered by angrygramma 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
"Fire Insurance" is paid not to put you into debt, but to pay debt. If life is a race, then Christ already won. You are only allowed to run the race because He lets you. Christ is an awesome economist, He is teaching you to be frugal. You rest a day while others work: 14% of your week is gone, better make the others count! Tithe is tenth, so you must do with 90% of your budget while others have 100%!
2007-02-03 17:57:52 · answer #7 · answered by rdappa 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
The bible warns us of apostasy in the church and wolves in sheeps clothing deceiving the very elect of God. Jesus also warned he said "take heed don't be deceived" these people are not true christians. A genuine God fearing christian would not rob you of your money.
2007-02-03 20:29:24 · answer #8 · answered by repent 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree with your analogy that some Christians take advantage of their followers for selfish gain but not all Christian denominations act in this way. Only the ones that abuse their power get the attention of the media. There are many right hearted, unselfish Christians out there that help their fellow man. Very seldom do we hear about them.
2007-02-03 17:54:38 · answer #9 · answered by suede_blueyes 3 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Wow, so many complains, I think it is just going to be wrong this time, all the money must be sent to the ones who needed, right?
2007-02-03 17:52:11 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋