And Jesus never said anything about supporting a church (building). He did not have a church.
2007-09-23 08:25:06 · 13 answers · asked by bandycat5 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Jesus said a lot of things that fail to translate today.
Didn't he tell Simon Peter to give away all of his possessions and follow him?
Didn't he say to feed the hungry, house the poor?
Didn't he say that a preacher's role is to tend the flock?
Didn't he say "love thy neighbor as thyself"?
Didn't he say "turn the other cheek"?
Didn't he throw the money lenders out of the temple?
Didn't he say "the meek shall inherit the earth"?
Look around......show me more than a bare handful of people who follow the teachings of the christian leader.
Hypocrisy is rampant.
2007-09-23 09:03:53 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
The "church" at the time of Christ was the Synagogue. He preached there every Sabbath. And yes, the Bible DOES say something about what tithes are to be used for:
Neh 10:38 And the priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites, when the Levites take tithes: and the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes unto the house of our God, to the chambers, into the treasure house.
Neh 10:39 For the children of Israel and the children of Levi shall bring the offering of the corn, of the new wine, and the oil, unto the chambers, where [are] the vessels of the sanctuary, and the priests that minister, and the porters, and the singers: and we will not forsake the house of our God.
Neh 12:44 ¶ And at that time were some appointed over the chambers for the treasures, for the offerings, for the firstfruits, and for the tithes, to gather into them out of the fields of the cities the portions of the law for the priests and Levites: for Judah rejoiced for the priests and for the Levites that waited.
The Levites were the priesthood of the ancient Israelites. The tithes went to support the priesthood and the running of the Sanctuary, because the priests were not allowed to own land and had no other jobs besides their priesthood. They had to survive somehow, so God arranged that 1/10 of everyone's income would support them.
Likewise, today, the tithes go to support the ministry of the church and the pastors who run them. For example, in my church, the tithes go to support mission fields and the spreading of the Gospel and for paying our pastor, while offerings are used to pay for the bills for the church building itself.
2007-09-23 08:48:08 · answer #2 · answered by FUNdie 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Tithes are used to help whatever is necessary in order to spread the word of the Lord in whatever manner possible. Most churches don't just use tithes for the church only, as many use the money for missions and outreach programs, among tons of others. They also hold money in a fund for needy families in the church who may need some emergency assistance. Tithing is not even about where you give it to, it is the personal sacrifice that you make giving the money. God does not judge you on where the money goes, just that you are a generous giver to His kingdom.
2007-09-23 08:35:33 · answer #3 · answered by Save Religion 2 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Kinda messed up isn't it?
My philosophy is that churches are providing sevices to Christians and should be paid for them if used (programs, teaching, child care). However one should not consider this part of your tithe...its a quid pro quo (spelling?) kind of operation. Not a bad thing in itself, but certainly not good either.
The church is reknown for poor money management. Being on staff for a time myself, i saw a large portion of money dedicated to God going to infrastructure, buildings, salaries (very nice ones at that). i'm pretty sure its inappropriate at the very least.
I recommend being more responsible with the money that you dedicate to God. Be more personal about who you give it to. Find people to help (needy, poor, sick, etc). Who knows, you may actually be able to be personally involved in reaching people for Christ.
2007-09-23 08:46:19 · answer #4 · answered by xcorvenx 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Tithing is a way to obey and worship God. In Bible times, tithes were managed by the Levites (Neh 10:38). We give our tithes to the church and decide together how to spend it for God's ministries.
2007-09-23 08:34:46 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
Get out your phone book call a Church tell you are hungry,or any desperate need,they will help.I know my husband ran away when i had three small children,the Church bought us food and put on heat for us.
2007-09-23 08:40:23 · answer #6 · answered by gwhiz1052 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Can YOU support the church?
2007-09-23 08:46:44 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
if you don't support the church there won't be a church, which means you would be less able to reach the sinners you are trying to save.
2007-09-23 10:50:46 · answer #8 · answered by robin s 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Tithes are hustle, $ for hope and spiritual validation.
2007-09-23 08:41:18 · answer #9 · answered by Subconsciousless 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Because, like the mafia (another famous Italian export) the catholic church WROTE the bible to MAKE MONEY. Hope that helps.
2007-09-23 08:34:21 · answer #10 · answered by andy b 2 · 2⤊ 2⤋