THE LOVE OF MONEY IS THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL.
How do you integrate the above statement into your theology and way of life?
How do you integrate the above statement into your theology and way of life?
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CF has always been a site that welcomes people from different backgrounds and beliefs to participate in discussion and even debate. That is the nature of its ministry. In view of recent events emotions are running very high. We need to remind people of some basic principles in debating on this site. We need to be civil when we express differences in opinion. No personal attacks. Avoid you, your statements. Don't characterize an entire political party with comparisons to Fascism or Communism or other extreme movements that committed atrocities. CF is not the place for broad brush or blanket statements about groups and political parties. Put the broad brushes and blankets away when you come to CF, better yet, put them in the incinerator. Debate had no place for them. We need to remember that people that commit acts of violence represent themselves or a small extreme faction.
Money and wealth.
- Thread starter Xeno.of.athens
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- Aug 11, 2023
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I try not to support billionaires (though, we live in an oligopoly), and try to give money to properly vetted charities. What about you?
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Your reply is interesting. I too give to charities, mainly Catholic charities because they are, in my opinion, rather reliable. But the intention is not to have people tell how much they personally do for charity. My intent is to have discussion about money and Christianity and Christian theology and community life in a world that is at least partly driven by the love of money.
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- Aug 11, 2023
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I did not get your original intent at first, and yes, we should give joyously, not of a specific percentage amount. Catholic charities are pretty solid, from what I have heard, as I am a Catholic also.
| Date | April 30, 2024 | Tithing or Not Tithing |
| Verse | Matthew 23:23 (NIV): "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former." 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV): "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." |
| Explanation | Matthew 23:23 is a passage from the New Testament in which Jesus rebukes the teachers of the law and Pharisees for their hypocrisy. They were scrupulously following the minor aspects of the Jewish law, such as tithing spices, but neglecting the more important parts like justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Jesus was emphasizing the importance of prioritizing love, compassion, and righteousness over rigid adherence to rules and regulations. 2 Corinthians 9:7, on the other hand, is a passage that encourages giving to God and others willingly and joyfully. The emphasis here is not on the percentage or amount of the gift but rather on the attitude and motivation behind it. God loves a cheerful giver suggests that giving should be an expression of gratitude, joy, and generosity, not a duty or an obligation. In summary, Matthew 23:23 encourages us to prioritize love, compassion, and righteousness over rigid adherence to rules, while 2 Corinthians 9:7 emphasizes the importance of giving willingly and joyfully. These verses do not prescribe a specific percentage or amount, but rather offer guidance for how we should approach giving in our daily lives. |
| Societal Relevance | In modern society, these verses can serve as a reminder that our giving should be motivated by love and compassion, rather than legalistic adherence to rules or financial obligation. While the Old Testament law did require a tithe (10%), Jesus' teachings in Matthew 23:23 and other parts of the New Testament emphasize the importance of prioritizing love, mercy, and justice. Therefore, some people choose to tithe, while others give as they are able based on their personal circumstances and convictions. For choosing between giving to a church or charity, both options can be valid depending on one's priorities and circumstances. Some people may feel called to support their local church through regular giving, while others may prefer to donate to charities that align with their values and address specific needs. If one feels uncomfortable giving to a church (as some churches may abuse the funds for monetary gain or have inadequate programs for serving the poor), there are a lot of charities with high ratings which can help those in need, both locally and globally. For instance, One Tree Planted (One Tree Planted | Tree Planting Non-Profit: One Dollar, One Tree) helps plant trees in areas where deforestation has ruined the landscape, such as in Sub-Saharan Africa or Central America. Another organization, Keep Wisconsin Cool/Warm fund (Keep Wisconsin Warm/Cool Fund - HOME) keeps the lights, heat and A/C on for people in a tight financial situation who can not afford energy otherwise. Ultimately, the decision should be guided by a desire to make a positive impact on others and to give willingly and joyfully. |
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th1bill
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Hello brothers. My strong suit has always been the Spiritual Gift of Giving. I will pass over penniless and care less that I made a lot of money. I can no longer play the guitar because I am stricken with a rather angry form of MS and my hands suffer a good deal from it. I do not feel sorry for myself and none other should either. The first sixty-five years were awesome. Now I build Kalimbas from Exotic Woods that will all sell for over a hundred dollars and I give them away to High School Graduates in our Church Family.
May Yahovah bless each of you and your families.
May Yahovah bless each of you and your families.
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fhansen
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I think there's a bit of hyperbole going on there in Paul's instructions to Timothy-or a mistranslation as some versions render the passage, "...a root of all kinds of evil", although that probably requires more interpretation than direct translation. But in any case, greed or avarice is the very common idolization of wealth and the possessions that it can buy, a covetous and selfishness that many if not most easily fall prey to. It gives people a false sense of status and security as well. It can certainly serve to keep us from recognizing of our need for God. It's a false value, a false god that makes us feel superior to the extent that we succeed in gaining it, and inferior if we fail: all wrong-heeded stuff.
Love of money leads to such evils as theft, embezzlement, murder, genocide, cheating, snobbishness, etc, etc
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