I am thinking from a european point of view in america..
Aren't there already enough people trying to tell us what to do and how to do it. *(what about responsibility)
The religion is to learn about good, to advise and help people without a church, selfless and free of charge, give spiritual guidance
Everyone I know gives at least 50% naturally by being a human(10% expected by the bible). It makes me sick that churches make money off people guilt.
If there was a Jesus and a good god, he wouldn't want that
2007-03-16 13:59:40 · 16 answers · asked by greenie 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I know what you mean, but try telling that to the people that actually believe that stuff
2007-03-16 14:03:30 · answer #1 · answered by f_jayce 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have not experienced churches making money off people's guilt, but I know it is done by some. The worst are those who preach the gospel of prosperity: You sow a seed of faith by sending in your money, and you'll see how God will prosper you. And if He doesn't, it's because he's waiting for you to send more. That is religious fraud.
I have been part of small churches, where we all pitch in to support our church's ministry. All the churches I have belonged to have begun in rented quarters, and eventually have bought a functional building at the lowest possible cost. With the agreement of the members. and when we take an offering, we make it clear to the visitors that they are not expected to contribute.
When a member of the church is going through a particularly hard time, the church is willing to help financially, no strings attached.
I'm not sure in what way everyone contributes at least 50% just by being human.
I give, willingly, and it doesn't hurt. Moreover I also give outside the church, to causes that I am personally aquainted with. I never give to what I do not personally know (referring to the people administering the money).
The Bible says God loves a cheerful giver. If you feel forced, then don't give.
EDIT:
Whatever you are giving, you get about two thirds back in your income tax return.
2007-03-16 14:08:06 · answer #2 · answered by Mr Ed 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately, I have to agree with you slightly. I do feel that many evangelists are money hungry and have "heard" many similar stories.
The Bible does say to give the first 10th of your crops to the church. This will help to keep a church growing and allow them to take care of their responsibilities. If people give more it should be out of love and trust in the church and not guilt...again I agree.
Christianity is about loving your nieghbor and sharing the gospel with others. That does cost money to run buildings and pay for staff at churches. But it should not be given out of guilt.
The true crime is that instead of you making an informed decision as to whether or not you accept Jesus, you have to wade through all the crap that is tied in with religion. I will personally apologize for all those Christians that judge and preach guilt. Jesus himself never gave anyone a guilt-trip he simply said "follow me."
Again I am sorry that is not the message that you have been hearing.
2007-03-16 18:38:49 · answer #3 · answered by InspireTomorrow.com 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know if I get what you are saying. People giving 50%, that is generous, I don't believe it. If you are referring to government taking money, well churches treat peoples spiritual needs as well as physical needs and do it better than government. There are those who would use religion for profit, you have to look out for those. As the Bible says, look at the fruits.
2007-03-16 14:06:39 · answer #4 · answered by mad_mav70 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Churches dont make $, they give it away in ministry.
The church doesnt exist to "tell people what to do." God tells us what to do and the church exists to do his will for those who love him.
Religion isnt just about being "good." That is a huge massive lie. You are rejecting or are ignorant of Jesus' commands to teach and preach the Gospel and to give back to God to fund the mission work. Jesus gave us a lot of work to do and it needs to be done but apprently its not going to get done by people with your attitude.
No unbelievers I know give hardly anything to anybody. They are too concerned about themselves. Churches dont make $, I dont know where you got that from. Everything they get they are either paying off the building they are in or they are heavily funding missions as we are supposed to. And guilt has nothing to do with it. God would rather you keep your money and not give his blessing to you then give out of guilt. God loves a cheerful giver and it is HIM we are giving the money to, not men.
There was a Jesus and he himself was God. Dont presume to know him because everything youve said so far isnt true and based on myth. How much moreso Heavenly things? I encourage you to actually read the Bible and learn the truth for yourself! The church is for doing Gods will!
2007-03-16 14:07:45 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't know where you're from, but very few people (probably none!!) around here give 50% of their income to the church!!!
What a person gives is between that person and God...nobody else!
And to answer your question: No, religion isn't just an excuse/reason to make money.
2007-03-16 14:04:09 · answer #6 · answered by redglory 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Read John 2:15, Jesus (God) gets very angry when people use religion just to make a profit.
2007-03-16 14:08:31 · answer #7 · answered by TJ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes.
Especially Scientology
2007-03-16 14:02:24 · answer #8 · answered by funaholic 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is neither. I believe your trouble is with evil, greedy people, no matter where you find them. Religion is not the cause, reason or excuse for profiting in graces or sin, something which we condemn with the name of simony.
2007-03-16 14:30:31 · answer #9 · answered by Arnon 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not an excuse, it's the THE reason for religion.
After all, what con man wouldn't LOVE to have mindless sheep that hand over their money week after week for no good reason at all?
2007-03-16 14:02:46 · answer #10 · answered by Yoda Green 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋