If we shut down welfare and let churches feed the working poor what happends if we can`t give to churched?
439143
If we "shut down welfare" then we should demand that politicians lower our taxes by a like amount. Then, you would have no reason for not giving to churches, and the churches relying on volunteer help will do a better job of helping the truly needy then the governmental bureaucracy ever could.\n\nHowever, I see both the working poor and the non-working poor in WalMart all the time. I'd say both groups could do with a little less feeding as they are really a bunch of wide-loads.
462389
Church dont try to give you nothing, they try to take something from you its up to you what you give them. You don't need church or religion to find God but church and religion needs you.
103836
A friend of mine was working as a fulltime preacher making little money. Walking to the store to buy the food for dinner that night (no extra) and saying I can't do this, I can't keep this preaching career if I can't even afford a whole week's groceries at one time. Kicking the leaves while walking, see's a $100 bill on the ground in the middle of nowhere. Starts crying because it was a provision that God can and does provide what is needed and not more. Still preaching and never yet been hungry or unclothed.
426916
Yes it is possible to abolish the provision of council owned property to the poor in the UK.  It's already happening with councils selling off there housing to tennants or housing associations.\n\nEthical?  No, the council should be able to provide housing to those who need and deserve it.  Once people get back on their feet, they should find somewhere else to stay so that those who need the service can use it.
445551
decline. the governemtn should spend more on  the people living in poverty before it tries to save anyone else
96259
You are correct, it is unbiblical for a preacher to require members to tithe of income. Also tithing was always food never money and the tithe was always eaten by the tither. Read Deut. 12 and 14. Can a church survive? Yes but not as a mega church. the churches would be smaller and be more quality than quantity (Jesus himself only had twelve apostles). Eliminate tithing and the pastor is forced to live by faith, not many of them want to do that though.Our church does not believe in tithing of income nor do I take an offering(some do give anyway). When God decides it is time to close up then we will close up. All churches should run on faith not business tactics. The only thing most pastors have faith in is their ability to con their members out of more money.\n\nAnd in Malachi when it mentions will a man rob God(preachers love that one) no one mentions that this is written to the Levitical priests Mal 2:1. It was the priests stealing the tithe from the tithers. It must be an honest mistake that they forgot this. lol. Malachi 3:8 ties in with I Samuel 2:12-17. There were corrupt priests stealing then and there are corrupt preachers stealing now. I can hear the lake of fire calling for them now. Shhh listen and you will hear it also, it sound sorta like this 'will the ushers please come forward'
555641
Because:  GOD NEEDS YOUR MONEY!!!!!   He is obviously broke, and the only way to help him is to give away your paycheck to the church!
445641
Being a Christian is being Christ-like.  Christ was obedient even unto death.  \n\nThe church is described as the body of which Christ is the head.  It's a major thing to cut yourself off from the body.  It is, in effect, throwing off His headship.\n\nI suppose it could be possible to not contribute financially, if you don't have any income.  \n\nIn general, disobedience - especially willful disobedience, is contrary to Christianity.\n\nAnd let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.  Hebrews 10:24-25
554590
I would buy groceries. It's clear God doesn't care if you go to church or not. He doesn't feed you.
1033410
If the Church has an income from books, tapes and so forth yes.\n\nBut if the Church is being supported by those that attend through offerings then I would have to say NO.
613244
How about something about what it would be like if every city or town took care of their own?  \n\nIt would be a "what if" paper and you could let your imagination go with it.\n\nWhat if churches took collections to help the poor, hungry, homeless ect and not collect money to build a new million dollar church for themselves?\n\nWhat if school children sold candy bars etc to make money to help the needy in their own town and not to earn prizes for themselves?\n\nWhat if we took care of our own first before we took care of the rest of the world?  \n\nWhat should towns and / or cities do when they have citizens who have more money than most?  Should they give more?  \n\nAnyway, it's something to think about? and it will leave the competition graders with something different to think about also.
919993
I think someone in a lab coat was probably not in need of monetary help.  I think someone fasting in the desert was spiritually avoiding food and they were ok.  I want my tithing to go to someone in need, be it financial or spiritual.
290165
If a man can not take care of his own household how can he take care of God's church.  Its an honorable responsibility you cant just let anyone do it. I think its referring to pastors they have to live a righteous life outside of the church also. God Bless!!
370974
No.  Anyone who discontinues sessions without permission of the Church is disowned or shunned by them.
718997
I wouldn't hold your breath, even though the church is supposed to give back to the community. I find it odd that the church teaches us not to seek the things of the world, and then pass the plate to collect the money of the world.
660633
I believe there is great danger in letting a church or group of churches to have to much influence and control in government.  Take a look at mideval european governments.  It was all about the Catholic church.  The government needed the church then, so they ended up wedding their functions.  The church at that time had incredible wealth, influence and control over people.  It was impossible to govern without the blessing of the church.  And if you were a citizen, you had no real freedom of belief.  You had to follow the churches teachings or you were run out of town or worse, killed.   \n\nTo be honest, GWB and some of his "faith based initiatives", scares me.  I have no problem with churches offering support and charity as an expression of humanity and compassion.  I am however afraid, that the government will soon become reliant on this involvement and before long we could be back in the same boat as before the U.S. broke away from England.  I don't think anyone wants that.\n\nThere was a very strong reason that our forefathers of this country in the first amendment wrote, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.."
915446
a lot of churches will baptize children, the church of Christ insist on it.\nif your current church puts you down, then change churches.\nlife is too short.