April 24, 2007
Reading Between the Lines
I’ve found the church is not above using high pressure marketing techniques. Under the title of Giving of Our Tithes & Offerings our church bulletin links worship to tithing saying, “Giving is a part of our church’s worship. Our guests are not expected to give, but may do so if they like. Please place offerings in collection boxes located in the back of the Auditorium.” While visitors may be relieved to know they are not expected to give financially, the message for the members is, ‘Listen up. Guests are under no obligation to give, but you are. The church expects you to give – both in tithes and offerings – and failing to do so affects the church’s worship.’ So, how long can one get away with being a guest?
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1 comment:
Gail;
-----As long as you keep quiet and don't needle those guys, you can get away with being a guest at their church for quite a while. But aren't the casual terms of possession we apply sometimes starkly more real than we intend. Jesus' church does not expect tithes. But your leaders' church does. The author of the New Testament does not address the concept of tithes other than historical references in Hebrews and Jesus speaking to His Old Covenant contemporaries in the gospels. Yet the authors of Christian literature until today make up all the concepts of tithing. It truly is their church. I am quite pleased to remain a member of Jesus' church where the concept of tithing does not exist. Instead, there exists the concept of generosity to those in need, and the related concept of generosity toward those of upstanding character who have so committed themselves to godly service to the brethren that they lack the time to earn their own way.
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