I don't understand?

Question

My friend goes to church(not Catholic), but the last few weeks she did not. She received a letter in the mail saying that she was not allowed to come back to church until she pays $200. They explained in the letter that this was her portion of what she would normally give as a donation(they decided on the figure, she did not). Her and her husband have had to cut back financially and can barely keep a roof over their heads. She felt very betrayed by the church. I thought that no matter what your social status in life, you could worship God as he loves everyone. How can a church shun someone who is trying to be a good Christian because they can't pay the "admission"???? I told her she can watch the religion channel in our area and get just as good churching as she would get from a live sermon. She watched the person I suggested and was thrilled by him.

Bandycat's got the right idea. The Book of Matthew more or less says you can worship anywhere as long as you worship and serve God. AMEN!

WOW!! Most of you reacted the same way I did. She isn't sour against religion as a whole and I did suggest another church as well. She is truly a good person and I was so upset she was treated so poorly.

Answer 1

Actually, I know of no religion other than the Mormons, where i have heard allegations that they demand the money form their congregation. I do not know if this is true, but was told so a while back, so don;t blame me, it is just what I heard.

Answer 2

I am so sorry your friend went through that. That's ridiculous! Until she and her husband can find a Church that will accept her openly and honestly and with a true Christian heart listening and watching this person on TV will suffice. Don't let her give up though. There is a Church waiting for she and her husband that is just right for them.

Judysbookshop is right. That sounds cultish. Remind her to look for the signs of a cultish "religion." Google "signs of a cult" and you will find a list of things to look for other than them demanding money.

Answer 3

I have never heard of something like this! This can't be a good Christian church; it is probably a cult. The Christian church encourages tithes and giving, but it is optional, not mandatory for attendance! The person gives as led by God out of their heart, not because they are "absolutely required to" in order to even have fellowship! That's horrible!

2 Corinthians 9:7 says:
"Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

She should try some new churches in her area as well as watching Christian t.v. Show her these pages to read, to help her make up her mind about which new church to decide on:

http://www.carm.org/questions/church_true.htm
http://www.carm.org/seek/denominations.htm
http://www.carm.org/seek/church.htm

Answer 4

There is nothing in the Bible about attending church. On the contrary, it says to worship in private, in "your closet". Jesus did not have a church. Jesus said to give money or goods to poor people, not to a wealthy church. And why does she think she needs to be "led" anyway. Can't she have a relationship with God on her own, just her & her husband? She does not need this church.

Answer 5

That sounds like a bad church, one with wolves in sheep's clothing, she should look for a better church.

Some "Churches" care more about money than God, but there are some Churches out there who do care about God.

Answer 6

If true, it is in the best interest of Christ and every person who attends such a travesty's meetings that names be named. What is the name of this organisation? It is clear that the name of Christ is being used by a bunch of money grubbing thugs and that should not be allowed to stand.
Other congregations of the body of Christ should be made aware of this activity. But here is a warning for you. There must be witnesses to wrong doing before bringing charges against those who do such things, and those guilty must be first approached in private.

Answer 7

False Prophets in the church. Cause a true church would not do that. God is everywhere. he know our problems before we run into them. Just keep the faith. You dont need a church, we need God in our lives. If you prefer a church, thats fine. but it dont have to be neccessary cause to many false priest and christians claiming to be for God.

Answer 8

that church needs to re-read the book of Acts- people are struggling financially should be helped by their congregation. They need to find another church- I am not saying that people should take advantage of a church and expect money from them, but a church should not charge "admission" - it is not a house of entertainment, it is the church of God!!!

Answer 9

Write them back a really nasty letter, telling them in no uncertain terms to f--- off. No church has any business demanding specific sums from anybody. Then, find another church -- or give up on the whole religion thing as a bad job.

Answer 10

Is it not free to rest under the shade of a tree and worship..Oh wait thats pagan..Sorry..I am happy she found an alternative to having her pocketbook picked.The Catholic church has some very large lawsuit bills to pay right now, maybe thats the reason for the urgency...Blessing and love to you and yours....

Answer 11

I know this isn't the right answer , but anyways.

Jehovah's Witnesses don't require money for there books or going to congregation. All they want is for you to try to be the best Jehovah's Witness you can be. If you can afford to donate then that is alright by them , but it is between you and God. Not you and them.

I should know. I have gone their for awhile now and have yet to donate. I only make a little money each month to live off of.