giving to the church to pay for the priest's BMW? I mean, would God mind if we gave to the women's shelter or family-helping programs instead of giving to the collection plate?
2007-09-18 08:51:28 · 17 answers · asked by emily1980 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Yes, feel free to give to other organizations but remember the church you attend still has to operate. They have power bills, water bills, salary considerations and etc. If you are going to attend this church and partake of what they have to offer, it would be morally correct to help support them.
If your priest is driving around in a BMW, there is something wrong. Maybe he has family money, or inherited something, but it doesn't sound "kosher" however.
2007-09-18 08:58:28 · answer #1 · answered by GONE 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
A portion of the money that people donate to the church does in fact go to charities. But if you prefer, then you can donate to the charity of your choice instead. But just be aware that even then, the money won't all necessarily go to the needy. The women's shelters and other agencies also have to pay the electric bills, the heat, the water, the salaries for the people who work there, the furniture, and other expenses related to the upkeeping of the agency.
2007-09-18 16:02:51 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That isn't where my tithe money goes. First, it goes to pay for the lights and upkeep on the building. It does pay my pastor's salary but believe me, that isn't much. If his wife didn't work they would be in poverty. From there, the money goes onto the association where it is distributed to programs that support charitable giving and missions work. My church itself supports the major charities in my area such as the food bank and the women's crisis pregnancy center. We also put together backpack's full of school supplies for the kids whose families can't support them. This is where most tithe money goes, not to support one man's lifestyle but to the needy people in the community and the world. We also have a scholarship fund, and a benevolence fund for people who are experiencing financial hardship. How about doing a little research and finding out the truth about something before posing a ridiculous and insulting question.
2007-09-18 15:58:25 · answer #3 · answered by Sharon M 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Only a small fraction of my tithe goes directly to a church; the rest of it goes to things like Gospel for Asia, Hope for Ishmael, Voice of the Martyrs, various animal rescues, etc. A lot of the money that my Church collects goes right back to similar services (sending our missionaries, holding summer camp for disadvantaged children, giving free baby-related items to unwed mothers, etc).
I wouldn't say you should spend your tithe randomly, but to causes that you feel are representing God's work in the world.
2007-09-18 15:59:37 · answer #4 · answered by Thought 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the Church gives a chunk of it to those organizations, duh!
would you like your church heated? A/C in the summer? wages for the people that work there? a roof that doesn't leak? bathrooms? parking lot maintenance? the lawn mowed? how about the cemetery taken care of? wanna fix the broken pews? wanna pay for insurance? etc, etc, etc...
I don't know of any priests that drive BMWs here.
Mine drives a low-end Buick Lacrosse. His last car was 10 yrs old and he would have kept it if it hadn't been totaled in an accident.
2007-09-18 16:00:14 · answer #5 · answered by Vernacular Catholic 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You give money for a variety of reasons, one of which is to pay the priest or pastor for his service to you. According to the Apostle Paul, it is basic fairness. You pay people (the plumber, the manicurist, etc.) for their services. The church is one of the few organizations that ask you to pay only what you think that it is worth. you won't get that deal anywhere else.
You can also give some of your offerings directly to charity if you wish. Since many charities are run by churches, it won't make much difference to many of them. But at least you have more control over which charity that you support.
2007-09-18 15:58:34 · answer #6 · answered by Randy G 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ethoma,
Christians are told to "Give as they have been prospered" on the first day of the week. We are not told to Tithe in the New Testament scriptures at all. The command was given and we are expected NOT to change the scriptures or sway from them. A Christian may choose to give to any other Charitable organization also but not in place of the Church. Have a wonderful week.
Thanks,
Eds
.
2007-09-18 15:57:49 · answer #7 · answered by Eds 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You don't have to give your tithe to the church. You can donate say 10% (a commonly used amount) to a charity of your choice. Or you could donate 10% of your time volunteering. This is supposed to be about giving back and helping others. Giving to the church is not the only option.
2007-09-18 15:55:49 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Tithing is very important it's not actually giving it's returning to God His 10th part.
The church I belong is not like that.Buying to a luxurious things on earth...
They used it for the glory of God and for the sake of the unsaved souls...
They used the money for spreading the Gospel
2007-09-18 15:58:52 · answer #9 · answered by sweetie29 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm SURE God would think you are doing a good thing. Our Salvation Army saves families dealing with rough situations in their lives (you know....getting laid off from your job-that sort of thing) so people don't end up homeless.
BUT I never had a Priest/Minister who drove a BMW. Tithing to your church also helps with it's payments, air conditioning, maintenance, yard upkeep sometimes.....a lot of things. If your priest drives a BMW, it's not from his paycheck -- he could be receiving retirement from someplace else (like military for instance -- you don't have to be old to retire from military).....don't just assume things okay.
BUT YOU ARE going to be doing a great service if you provide help to a charity of your choice.
2007-09-18 15:58:33 · answer #10 · answered by butterfliesRfree 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋