Quote:
Originally Posted by Igzy
Well, it seemed you and Koinonia were trying to make this a referendum on tithing, which was never my point at all. Koinonia seemed to be saying that if money he gave was used for buildings or salaries then that was not giving to God.
I understand once burnt, twice shy. But I don't think, ultimately, God buys the argument that some churches/organizations waste money so therefore we are off the hook for giving. Yes, some entities are wasteful. So what? Find some that aren't. To me the "they waste money" argument is cynical. I don't think being cynical and being a cheerful giver mix well.
I wouldn't waste my time with a girlfriend who smoked. Does that mean because some women smoke I should swear off all women? No. I'd find one that didn't smoke. So find an honest church. If you can't find one, better start one.
But maybe I misunderstood you guys. I know Will Davis preached tithing. But I take that with a grain of salt. The point, to me, is to give, that most of us should give more than we do, and that giving can result in a lot of good works that impact people for God's kingdom. Ten percent is a safe number. But maybe five percent is too. The only unsafe number, unless you have a darn good excuse, is zero percent. Guess where most Christians are on that scale? See my point?
Again, the reason I brought this up is precisely what I'm seeing in you guys. A hesitancy to give because of your LCM history. I get the reason, and I'm not condemning. But this is an important subject that many may never get around to dealing with.
What? Should we have yet another discussion about how the LCM leaders are bums or how Daystar was a ripoff? Haven't we beaten those dogs to a pulp? This board should be about healing, and speaking for myself, my LCM-tainted attitude toward giving needed healing. Probably some others do, too.
|
You have misinterpreted (or misunderstood) me. My point is that 1) it is unbiblical to equate tithing with the giving of money to religious organizations funding religious activity, and 2) tithing is not a New Testament practice to begin with. Your whole post here reads like law, and I did not leave the LC for that. Also, I am not opposed to giving money to religious organizations per se (because I do). But I am opposed to religious organizations incorrectly using a tithing teaching to obligate such giving.
Of course, I believe in giving generously. But that should be the issue of a heart happy in God, and not the result of religious pressure.