same here I have yet to find any scripture on that. Never understood the entire confession and priest being called father and I was raised catholic
Confession somewhere along the line got twisted and distorted some. The actual act of confession isn't a pre-requisite for forgiveness and many of the Catholics I know don't view it as such...however many Catholics I know also feel all you gotta do is go to confession and it wipes you clean....sorry doesn't work that way. God knows the heart of a confession and that doesn't require a go between, but their is something to be said for the practice of actually voicing your issues/worries (aka sins) to a pastor in person. There are many a church (denomination) that still practice confession it however isn't treated the same as Catholics.
amen...Yes Jesus is the direct line. But understandable about the confessing, I guess we just consider that as going to a pastor for counseling
Not if you are one who holds to the concept of everything being His. If you don't than yeah it will look precisely as you say a "racket". There is no doubt countless churches have mishandling of these tithes...but that is not all and many like have been touched on keep extremely clear and concise data on the tithing trail and what funds and uses it goes towards down to the penny.
I think you missed my point. The office, calling, duty, life, etc. is what is deserving of reverence not the person specifically. God called this person to do this job and that is what is to be held in reverence. The person is deserving of respect. To me the title of reverend is an acknowledgment of God's choice in calling the person that bears the title. Kind of like the president. You may hate his guts and his politics but you should still address him as Mr. President out of respect for the office that he was elected to.
The difference however is a true reverend would not feel he is worthy of reverence...most presidents would or do.
It isn't for profit when utilized as it is supposed to be...so unless you find a crooked church trust working for a church is not for those desiring hefty paychecks.
Most is a pretty strong word. I wouldn't even begin to hesitate to say some or alot because I know firsthand it exists. However, I also know first hand this is not the case at all at all churches. I know first hand what our Pastors make and even our senior pastor whose been at it for over 40 years barely makes more than I am set to make possibly this year and I don't make that much!! Most, and I'm thinking like over 90% of the staff make less than 40K a year with a ton of them making less than 30K a year. There is no abuse of the money atleast where we currently go...
If you believe that everything you have is by the grace of God, then giving up 10% isn't hard to do at all. (we do post tax... but if/when we get a refund, we'll give 10% of that too.)
my pastor was working a $100,000 a year chemical plant job to become a full time pastor at our church making $40,000 a year. He tithes his 10% back to the church also. Our tithes go to missions in Africa, Israel, our widows and orphans in our community, we have a church in our local prison we support. So its much more that a salary for our pastor and staff.
If you think MOST was strong...I edited it from saying all religions. I admire your faith my friend but faith in people isn't my strong suit. For me I see no reason other than profit to maintain an organization that where people pay to worship God. Why should I pay a man for that privilege? I can do it for free. And if that worship is going to accomplish anything it's will work just as well and please God just as much....and I am not out 13.9%.....
My church is made up of lay ministry. No one gets paid money. However those who serve seem to be richly blessed. (sounds corny but it's true) Even in this small and modest town the church can and does take care of our needy. (members and non-members) :D I have a calling as a compassionate care provider. (really! stop laughing!) And as a teacher for the women's group once a month.
Kudos on the honesty...and sadly from what you've seen firsthand and maybe dealt with firsthand it is 100% accurate...however it isn't 100% accurate all over. As to exactly what that true percentage is, no one knows. All I know is it isn't that way here...and in response to your thought; it isn't a tithe to a man or a collection of man - if you believe in it than you see it as it is: a tithe back to God. It is a way to be God's hands and God's feet for humanity. Many churches offer services that many do not see, some of those cost money....many churches have covered mortgages and health bills for congregational members (just as an example). Is it placing trust in the "hands" of humans, sure but a church founded on and committed to keeping the word will have that transparency I discussed earlier. Furthermore though I agree...one doesn't require a church to worship God or do God's work. However, it is even described in the bible that if we believe we will strive and actually thirst for fellowship with fellow believers. The church also serves as a sanctuary for many, countless times the church has helped me through incredibly rough times (not financially but by being present).
May be true, but there isn't much love being shown here either. This thread saddens me, because we are so quick to criticize and tear something/someone else down. What drives people away from faith is when we start tearing down rather than building up. Why do we have to do this? For those that call themselves Christian, are we not all members of the same body? We are different parts with different functions, yet without the other could the body function? How about we focus on what we have in common, use that to build each other up, and love your neighbor as yourself.
Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. *That second commandment is really tough for most folks.*
You may call it tearing down, I call it recognizing something that is ridiculous and which goes against the grain of what is actually supposed to be taught and practiced according to Christians beliefs. I'm not a guy that likes tearing down establishments just to do so, I just do not blindly buy into things that seem utterly silly.
