Don't they believe in the power of prayer? Don't they think god wants their church to have the money? Couldn't they just buy one lottery ticket and all pray real hard that it wins? That way, it would be up to god if they get the money or not. Doesn't putting money in the plate circumvent god's will?
2007-10-06 18:17:13 · 11 answers · asked by kimmyisahotbabe 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
None of the answers were really honest, just a lot of hoopla. I'm quite sure that if they prayed to win the lottery, it wouldn't work, and the church would go broke.
The only prayers god ever answers are those that can be explained as coincidence. There have been numerous scientific studies done on the effect of prayer on outside events, and they all show the same thing, prayer has no effect on outside events. It doesn't matter who is praying, or what "god" they are praying to, it has no effect. That's because god is imaginary.
2007-10-07 03:58:44 · update #1
Ha!
I like you.
2007-10-06 18:22:28 · answer #1 · answered by Pull My Finger 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Tithing, and offerings are themselves a spiritual act on the part of those donating. the voluntary giving of ones money to support a church helps one become a part of the church.
Additionally, very few beliefs claim that by praying will simply make things happen. Every church, every follower has had things happen in their lives which were contrary to their prayers. Only a few churches believe prayer would work as your question implies, and those churches are often cults.
And one more thing. If churches just bought lottery tickets, then others would have to buy the losing lottery tickets to fund the winners. And once everybody found out that churches were winning with prayer, they would either stop buying, or keep on buying even though they wouldn't get the money. And those people who kept buying would be donating to the church, which is already happening now by passing the plate.
2007-10-07 07:23:23 · answer #2 · answered by Mr. Bad Day 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not about how much money they accumulate, it's about how much is given from the heart. It's given with love to the church and the people the church helps (hungry, poor, widowed, etc). The love is half the gift. The lotto is cheap. We pray that God will give us enough to give so that we can complete our mission and help where we can. He provides. Besides, can't money actually be harmful? If we had millions, it would be tempting to keep it for ourselves, or make the church really pretty, instead of using it for missions or charitable ventures. If God wanted a church to win the lottery, a church member woud win and give it all the to church (this has happened before). It's all God's anyway.
2007-10-07 01:21:40 · answer #3 · answered by Mrs. Eric Cartman 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The tithe is the method God chose to supply the ministry. It began in the Garden with the Forbidden tree, continued with
Abraham when he met Mechizedec. Then with the Mosaic Law, and continues even into the NT church where Jesus has become out High Priest.
Placing tithes and offerings into the plate or bucket in no way goes against the Lord's perfect will. It is perfect obedience.
It is a form of worship.
I Cr 13;8a
2007-10-07 02:47:08 · answer #4 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some churches pass the offering plate, to give those people visiting a chance to make a prayerful gift, if they so choose. Usually members of the church have offering envelopes to put their offerings into. Other churches do not pass the plate, as only members are expected to tithe, directly to the Bishop, in confidence. The money is used to support the programs.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormon) does not require the money to pay the preacher, or staff, as all members participate voluntarily.
2007-10-07 01:24:51 · answer #5 · answered by D L R 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Would playing the lottery be godly behavior? Of course we have faith in God. We also have a wonderful natural world that he gave us, which he works through. If the church can thrive on tithes & offerings, what need is there for supernatural help?
2007-10-07 01:22:19 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
alot of churches are against the prosperity message. and against lottery. its a form of gambling. also verboten.
however, there's nothing against putting a few dollars or loose change into the church offering plate.
2007-10-07 01:54:23 · answer #7 · answered by opalist 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If churches did what you suggest, they would be supporting gambling, which is condemned in the Bible.
Doesn't it make sense to you that the people who attend a church and receive the benefits of attending should support that church financially?
2007-10-07 01:30:07 · answer #8 · answered by David S 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In order to win the lottery, one must PLAY the lottery...which is against their beliefs.
Besides, passing the plate has better odds on winning SOMETHING.
2007-10-07 01:27:18 · answer #9 · answered by witnessnbr1 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it just so happens that the Church doesn't encourage people to gamble.
2007-10-07 01:20:30 · answer #10 · answered by Perceptive 5 · 2⤊ 2⤋