I recently wrote on social injustice reflecting on what some churches promote. I believe their intentions are good, but question the result. I also received some comments that these churches think the government has to do the entitlement stuff because the people in their churches do not give enough money to do it.
If I were in a member of a church that is in to social justice, and re-distribution of wealth I could have several reactions. First, I would be convinced that the government has a all the responsibility for helping people and that it can and should be done by them. Second, I would believe that the taxes I pay are for this purpose and therefore I do not need to give much to my church. Lastly, I would be convinced that only the wealthy are responsible for helping people as they pay the most in taxes. I would also quickly buy in to the idea that only the wealthy are greedy and that I am not because I am not wealthy.
So, I would put $1 in the offering plate and feel good about it. Is that the desired result? Shouldn’t I be taught about greed also? “Feel good” ministries may bring in lots of people, but are they teaching people to be unselfish? Many think that is our main social problem today in Wall Street, big business, government and everywhere. I think the best place to teach these values is in church. Are they?
There is actually a good deal of research, much of it by Arthur C. Brooks of Syracuse University, that demonstrates that people who tend to believe in individual responsibility (and hence that oppose expanding the welfare state) give more as a proportion of income than those who do not. Red States are more generous than Blue States, Evangelicals and conservative Christians more generous than non-religious people, Americans more generous than Europeans (where there is a fully developed welfare state). So the hypothetical you raise in your post, although perhaps you have taken it to the extreme, is supported by the empirical evidence.
Thanks Whit. I admit that I exxagerate to make a point!
Churches need to focus on preaching the Word and fostering an atmosphere of faith. In my opinion, church giving is down because people don’t believe in God as their source. They are not willing to “let God be God”. If the Word of God was first place in their life, they would be led by the Holy Spirit in matters of giving (and others). I am going avoid the topic of tithing right now in the essence of brevity. But needless to say, make God’s word first to build your faith(faith comes by hearing, hearing the word of God – Rom 10:17) and as your faith grows your spiritual sensitivity will grow to hear and be led.
Secondly, it is a pastors calling not to do the ministry, but to EQUIP THE PEOPLE to do the ministry. In the small Lutheran church I grew up in, the Sunday bulletin (each week) had printed in it had the names of the Pastors, and then next to the word “Ministers” it read “ever member of Christus Lutheran Church”.
Thanks for posting Eric. I agree with you and fear we are making government our higher power, not God
Thanks for posting Eric. I agree with you and fear we are making government our higher power, not God