Why is Christianity so expensive?

Question

Why do churches need 10% of their parishioners' incomes? That seems rather steep. Can't they hand out coupons and make it 5%?

Answer 1

LOL...coupons


Awesome

Answer 2

I do not know why churches command ten percent of their members' salaries. Although giving ten percent was a part of the Mosaic Law to support the temple and the priesthood, that is no longer the case. Christians are not under the Mosaic law and time and time again this has been clarified using the inspired scriptures.

Ten percent is rather steep for most people nowadays. It is a fine thing if one wishes to contribute ten percent, twenty percent or even more but making any amount mandatory is unloving and unscriptural.

I am happy that, out of the almost 100,000 congregations worldwide of Jehovah's Witnesses, not one mandates any contributions but rather - in accord with scripture - leaves it up to the members to give freely from their hearts. And this we do: voluntarily giving donations to support our local places of worship and the worldwide Christian work.

I am also happy that not one of the 100,000 congregations worldwide has a paid clergy; indeed, they have no clergy class at all. Those men who take the lead in the congregation work a job to take care of their needs and the needs of their families just as the rest of the members in the congregations.

Hannah J Paul

Answer 3

Things like buildings, lights, water, heat, insurance, salaries, office supplies, toilet paper, diapers for the nursery, upkeep, mission givings. We set a record this last winter. Our heat bill (alone) was over $3,000 each month. The utility company did not want to take half price coupons to pay it.

Helping other people in the church, (there is rarely a week that goes by that we do not help someone pay their rent, utilities, fix their car, buy groceries, get medical help, etc.)

We support two mission couples who are members of our church, supplying more than half their income so they can run a school in Honduras and an orphanage in Argentina. And then also give to support several children in each of those schools/orphanages.

Our pastor drives a very nice car. However the church did not buy it for him. It was given to him by a local dealership, which can write it off their taxes and actually make money by giving him the car. It would be unwise to turn down a deal like that, and make the church pay for one instead.

He also lives in a very nice lake front home. It belongs to a family that was in the church, which still leases it to him for $1 a year. It prevents them from having to probate the house (as it belong to her parents before they died), and keeps them from having to pay inheritance taxes, etc. that would force them to sell the home. It would be unwise for the pastor to turn down a deal like that, and make the church pay for a house instead.

If you want to know what is done with the money that goes to your church, ask. They are required to provide an annual income statement. It will show you exactly what was received, where it was spend, how much the pastor and staff got paid, etc. Then you will know whether the church is misusing the money or not. You will probably find that it is make proper use of every penny - because if they are like most churches, they have none to spare.

But as you are probably not giving 10% nor planning to in the near future, it should not even be an issue to you. You are free to give or not give as you want. The pastor is free to ask, or not ask, for 10%. It would only be an issue if the church were somehow forcing that money out of you.

Why so much? (And 10% is not that much). Because studies show that in an average church only about 8% of the people are actually doing that much. So you have to ask for a "large" amount from those who are willing to give. If the amount was lower to 5%, would you do it? (Honestly?) So what would be the point of doing that....

Answer 4

As someone much wiser than myself once said: if you want to know what people's real motivations are for their actions, FOLLOW THE MONEY; and when they insist it's not aboutthe money, it's ALWAYS about the money.

Religion is a confidence game, pure and simple. Think about it -- what does the church really provide you, that they don't claim is withheld until AFTER you die? Fellowship? Join a book club, and you'll get the same thing. A sense of community? Just throw a block party.

Answer 5

I am a Jew but I feel I can answer this question for all people not just Christians. It costs a lot of money to heat a church or turn on the lights.etc etc The synagogues or churches may be God's houses but the electric company etrc doesn't care they want to be pad just like you do for your work.

Answer 6

I cant believe nobody's got to the heart of this yet....the tithe is important but it is a very personal thing between you and God. You're putting the focus on the wrong thing. Above all you need to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. thats first. Spend time with him, read his word, LISTEN when he speaks to you, be it through the bible, through prayer or through his Holy Spirt speaking to you in your daily life. He will let you know whats important such as Tithing, baptism, attending church etc. Put Christ first and he will give you the desires of your heart

Answer 7

The New Testament does not require a tithe(10%),that's individual churches and pastors worried about paying the bills instead of trusting God for their needs.I like Pastor Chuck Smith of Calvary Chapel.Put a box in the rear of the church and people can put in what they want or nothing.No pressure.He has a very successful operation that has spread worldwide....without pressure to give.

Answer 8

A church is a non-profit business and has bills to pay just as we all do. Few people actually give 10 percent and if you are not able to give you are still welcome.

The Ol' Hippie Jesus Freak
Grace, Peace and Love in Christ
Peg

Answer 9

God says what he says and churches follow. Besides we could not make the money if it were not for God giving us the strength to do so. But on the other hand he gives it back to us 10 fold. God is so good. Being a christian does not cost anything.

Answer 10

Tithing is the law of God not of the church. God owns everything and all that He asks for is 1/10 back is that too much to ask??? If you do not tithe I would suggest you try tithing God has promised that He will bless you beyond measure and He does not lie. I am a witness. Everything that God blesses us with is out of His grace, He only ask that we have enough faith to give back 10% so that His house will be taken care of. I know that God keeps His promises! If you step out on faith and do as God has commanded you then He will bless you, try it you will have more than you ever dreamed of!!!!!!!

Answer 11

You are lucky. If you were doing it as laid out in the bible, it would cost you 20% and every third year 30%. There are three separate and very distinct tithes. Of course I am sure there are many who can find some reason that the instruction has been done away.