Church membership and favoritism?

[98cwitr]

Bible Gateway passage: James 2 - New International Version

My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.

Examples:

If the pastor is willing to give church members a discount on officiating a wedding ceremony, but charge other Christians more, is that favoritism?

If only church members can read Scripture in church, and long time believing visitors show interest, but are not selected, is that favoritism?

 

[Inkfingers]

If believers are not to show favouritism does that mean they cannot favour their own children over those of other people?

I see socialism there...

 

[Dave-W]

If the pastor is willing to give church members a discount on officiating a wedding ceremony, but charge other Christians more, is that favoritism?

Not really. The tithes and offerings from members go to pay for the facilities in an ongoing way.

Some other christian off the street or from the church down the block has not been paying in like that.

 

[Dave-W]

If only church members can read Scripture in church, and long time believing visitors show interest, but are not selected, is that favoritism?

I see socialism there...

No - I see western abstract thinking here.

It is all about RELATIONSHIP. Interpersonal relationship.

 

[Inkfingers]

No - I see western abstract thinking here.

It is all about RELATIONSHIP. Interpersonal relationship.

Could you explain how that means a ban on favouritism does not then mean we cannot favour our own children over other people's?

 

[Dave-W]

Could you explain how that means a ban on favouritism does not then mean we cannot favour our own children over other people's?

Why do we want a ban on something the world calls "favoritism?"

It is based on relationship.

 

[Inkfingers]

Why do we want a ban on something the world calls "favoritism?"

It is based on relationship.

Sorry, I don't understand.

Favouring our children over other people's is favouritism (the clue is in the world). If favouritism is wrong, then so is favouring our own children over other people's,

 

[Dave-W]

Favouring our children over other people's is favouritism (the clue is in the world). If favouritism is wrong, then so is favouring our own children over other people's,

So who said it was wrong? (biblically speaking)

The bible is full of what is called "favoritism."

Galatians 6:10
So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.

1 Timothy 5:8
But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

 

[Inkfingers]

So who said it was wrong? (biblically speaking)

The quote in the OP...

 

[nonaeroterraqueous]

@Dave-W and @Inkfingers, I think you're both arguing from the same side.

 

[Karin12414]

Sorry, I don't understand.

Favouring our children over other people's is favouritism (the clue is in the world). If favouritism is wrong, then so is favouring our own children over other people's,

I don't recall any scripture stating we can't favor our children over others children. We are soleley responsible for the care and development of our children, no one else. So, it would make sense that you favor your child to other children, because you are not really responsible for them in the same capacity as your own child.

I would agree it is wrong to favor your child if they are clearly misbehaving or bullying another child. But that is just basic parenting.

Also,

Bible Gateway passage: James 2 - New International Version



Examples:

If the pastor is willing to give church members a discount on officiating a wedding ceremony, but charge other Christians more, is that favoritism?

If only church members can read Scripture in church, and long time believing visitors show interest, but are not selected, is that favoritism?

I don't think any of this would be considered favoritism. Like the first post said, members pay for the regular upkeep and any bills and fees for the Church. I got my Church for free for my wedding because I have been a member for over 5 years and have paid more than the regular fee over that period of time.

And as for the scripture reading, that really depends on the Church. Most won't call on a visitor because they don't want to make the visitor feel uncomfortable or put on the spot. But if the person offers and is still passed over, they should talk to the teacher personally to find out why.