What is the history behind Church offerings (in particular money)?

Answer 1

The question should be not about history, but what is biblical.

Tithing is an issue that many Christians struggle with. In many churches tithing is over-emphasized. At the same time, many Christians refuse to submit to the Biblical exhortation in regards to making offerings to the Lord. Tithing / giving is intended to be a joy, a blessing. Sadly, that is rarely the case in the church today.

Tithing is an Old Testament concept. The tithe was a requirement of the law in which all Israelites were give 10% of everything they earned and grew to the Tabernacle / Temple (Leviticus 27:30; Numbers 18:26; Deuteronomy 14:24; 2 Chronicles 31:5). Some understand the Old Testament tithe as a method of taxation to provide for the needs of the priests and Levites of the sacrificial system. The New Testament nowhere commands, or even recommends that Christians submit to a legalistic tithe system. Paul states that believers should set aside a portion of their income in order to support the church (1 Corinthians 16:1-2).

The New Testament nowhere assigns a certain percentage of income to set aside, but only says it is to be “in keeping with his income” (1 Corinthians 16:2). The Christian church has essentially taken the 10% figure from the Old Testament tithe and applied it as a “recommended minimum” for Christians in their giving. Although the New Testament does not identify a specific amount or percentage to give, it does talk about the importance and benefits of giving. They should give as they are able, “in keeping with his income.” Sometimes that means giving more than a tithe, sometime that may mean giving less than a tithe. It all depends on the ability of the Christian and the needs of the church. Each and every Christian should diligently pray and seek God’s wisdom as to whether to participate in tithing and/or for how much he or she should give (James 1:5). “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).

Answer 2

The offering plate was invented the day the church realized that it had bills to pay. A lot of people don't like to talk about it but pastors (who let me tell you most of which are a long way from being rich) have bills to pay as do churches.
It's a simple fact that there has to be an offering plate for the church to exist.

I see someone mentioned human and animal sacrifices. I know that the old Jewish church has a history of the latter however I don't know of anytime that the church has had anything to do with human sacrifice.

-B

Answer 3

There is a long history of tithing in Christian churches, and it is, as others have stated, a Biblical concept. From a theological standpoint, it is similar to the system that operates in a feudal society. The lord of the manor gives his tenants land to live on and protection from hostile persons. In return, the tenants work the land and return the fruits of their labors to the lord. In the same manor, Christians believe that God provides people with blessings and talents to help them provide for their families, and also with protection from evil. In return, the faithful give a tithe to the church, which functions as a representative of God on Earth.

From a pragmatic standpoint, a church generally does not sell goods, nor does it provide services to those who can afford to pay for them. A church generally has very little steady, independent income. The operating expenses of a church, then, must be paid by its members. For example, my church has weekly operating expenses of more than $17,000, which includes the cost of maintaining the facilities, paying for utilities, mortgage on the land and buildings, running the school, running a food pantry for the needy, providing ministries for the sick and dying, a wide variety of other support ministries, and paying the modest living expenses of the priests and nuns who live and work there, as well as the small salaries of laypeople who help staff the offices and teach at the school. The weekly collection is generally around $15,000, with the balance being made up by private donations or, when necessary, funds from the diocese. Without taking up a collection, the church would quickly have to close. Tithing, then, is also a practical solution to the problem of church income. It may be a church and thus should be focused on spiritual matters, but it has bills to pay just like any other earthly establishment.

Answer 4

easy

in economics, it is called comparative advantage

priests deal in a commodity (religious benefit to the people/individual). They are a specialized labor force, more capable than an individual, because they dedicate themselves to producing the "social good" of religion. However, that comes at a sacrifice.

Basically, it is barter. You offer up monies to finance their lifestyle, and they in turn run the religion for the benefit of society at large.

Economically, that is the source.

If you are talking as when the Christian faith started receiving funds, look to Acts of the Apostles.

Answer 5

Some people will use anything they can to make money.
wether it is religion or a miracle cure or a weight lost product.
They use religion and our after life to make us contribute money so they can get rich.
Ever hear a TV evangelist it is all about the money and they are all millionaires.
Or the government uses religion to pray men into battle.

Answer 6

That would be called Tithing, and has been a longstanding problem of christianity. Think of it this way, as a colony pays tributes to the king who conquered them to acknowledge his power, so do devotees in a certain religion pay tithes to clergymen to acknowledge the Lord (or the clergymen, but that's another story).

Answer 7

In the early church, the people shared (and sold) all possesions and wordly goods including money. The money went to the poor people. Churches today still do the smae exact thing.........

Answer 8

There is no such church offering. That is for the false pastor who is a pastor of the Born again, a false religion.
jtm

Answer 9

human sacrifices, animal sacrifices get replaced by money

you want something, you pay in whatever currency custom decrees, even if you want forgiveness of sins, a good harvest, or want to reserve a place in heaven

Answer 10

You didn't think that priests got promoted to Bishop and Cardinal for their 'goodness'- did you?
It's all about who brings in the dough.