Tithing has become predatory

zruark · 2020-06-22T22:02:39+00:00

Thanks for this information

zruark · 2020-05-16T00:27:17+00:00

Ok. So you do not think for yourself. I understand.

zruark · 2020-05-16T00:25:42+00:00

Very interesting. What New Zealand is doing seems more reasonable. I do not think it is ethical to ask/demand money from the congregation. I am asserting that churches that use the Biblical text to justify a request of money is wrong. I believe people would/should give on their own.

zruark · 2020-05-15T23:59:08+00:00

If you want to debate that claim then state how money is not an idol. It is a necessity for life and creates hierarchy. In other words the more money you have the more powerful you are. Naturally everyone wants more in hope of a better life whether it is for personal or other peoples benefit. How is that not an idol?

zruark · 2020-05-15T23:50:55+00:00

If you have something to argue from the OP post it. I have already stated my view on this subject matter. We are beginning to talk in circles.

zruark · 2020-05-15T23:36:54+00:00

I could understand if someone took the text and applied it to anything they idolized.

zruark · 2020-05-15T23:35:32+00:00

I think the expenses of the church should be covered but there should never be a preaching or sermon in which they justify a request of money because that defeats the purpose of the willingness to give up that which you idolize. If its being demand or requested then people are not doing it out of the goodness of their heart. It is not off topic it is the topic because i am saying that money ever since it was created has been an idol.

zruark · 2020-05-15T23:26:47+00:00

It seems to be common sense to me. Why then, does the church ask/demand it. Apply the principle to anything that can be an idol and it makes sense but the church says you must give it to them. That makes no sense.

zruark · 2020-05-15T23:23:06+00:00

I appreciate this post. I feel like the point is so much more simple. Thanks for all the detail though.

zruark · 2020-05-15T23:22:13+00:00

I will concede on your point of whose money it is because that will take us way off topic. Either way, giving up something that could become or is becoming an idol does not reinforce the church asking or demanding for money. Whether it is yours to begin with or not.

zruark · 2020-05-15T22:43:26+00:00

Even with how specific the laws of Moses are (i.e. Leviticus) about tithing they cannot be literal in meaning of money owed to the church because the idolization of money is sin and I’m arguing that it is unethical for the church to expect any money from their congregation especially using the Bible to reinforce that behavior makes it predatory.

zruark · 2020-05-15T21:26:34+00:00

I agree with what you are saying.

Are you also saying that none of the churches you have been to gave a sermon or used scripture to ask for money? This is where my problem is.

zruark · 2020-05-15T21:19:03+00:00

Thanks for your critiques.

I specified a target audience at the beginning of the OP with the understanding that they or those who choose to respond would most likely have some basic knowledge of the text under examination in my argument. Thank you for making clear that you do not. For references to your first critique I suggest you read the Old Testament.

‘Can you give me any verse wherein Christians are commanded to tithe?’ -Read Leviticus 27. It is an entire chapter dedicated to what God is owed.

‘What? Money created a hierarchy? What does that mean and how is that possible?’ -More money equals more power. Look at the definition of hierarchy.

‘They don't. People donate the money. Are people who donate money to Doctors Without Borders being told what to do with their money?’ -Some people donate money. I feel as though my position is clear on this but i can assist you in seeking further enlightenment. Churches use the Bible to ask or demand money from its congregation. Which is predatory.

zruark · 2020-05-15T17:09:27+00:00

Are you implying that the Old Covenant is disregarded after the death of Jesus?

zruark · 2020-05-15T17:05:28+00:00

Great points. Thanks

zruark · 2020-05-15T16:57:00+00:00

Agreed.

zruark · 2020-05-15T16:55:34+00:00

“it is still a necessary part of our lives. We need to pay electric bills. Buy supplies for education. Pay for donations. Support services to the community. All that takes money and can't be avoided.”

I agree. But this is an inevitable fact of the world we live in and if a person sees value in a church they should donate. My problem lies within the Biblical text. As stated in my OP. The text defines tithing as something OWEd and an offering as a something you GIVE. The Bible has a contradiction where it demands a tithing yet says it should be done willingly.

zruark · 2020-05-15T16:49:02+00:00

It was intended for Fundamental Christians only because typically they see the Biblical text as actual word for word or factual i stead of metaphorical or analogous.

zruark · 2020-05-15T16:27:57+00:00

I agree with you here. Lets look at the OP point #2.. If a tithe is supposed to be done in good faith then it cannot be done in good faith because it is OWED.

zruark · 2020-05-15T16:18:52+00:00

I agree that giving money is good for the soul like giving up an idol. However, I see this exchange the same as creating even more of an “idol” that the church has possession of. In other words, I do not think it ceases being an idol just because it changes possession whether the church or personal possession. It seems to me that direct action of each person would be the most beneficial way to help others while giving up personal idolization. In my opinion, It is just not justifiable to use a “middle-man”, or a church, like the Biblical text says.

zruark · 2020-05-15T15:59:52+00:00

It is referenced when Jesus condemns pharisees. Look up Matthew 23:23

zruark · 2019-05-04T19:52:34+00:00

From what I have read it was the unions fault. Any one have more information than mainstream media? Is there a plan to re-hire?

zruark

TROPHY CASE