In a capitalistic society payment of money is a voluntary trade of money for something the purchasor "values" .. so, in a big way, money is really the root of all we value, right?  Isn't this just another way the christian cult tries to pervert meanings? If money really was believed to be evil, why do they have offerings and building fund pledges and so on .. particularly if their god is so powerful He could grant them all this just for their wishing (praying)?
135393
Isnt it funny how the bible says that and yet the church is the biggest corporation in the world? They bring in billions of dollars every year.... they must be filled to the brim with evil.
264494
The "church" as an institution I think has really used spirituality to hype the political agenda of it's rulers (witness the Inquisition). But the confirmation of rules that really help a society work (don't steal, murder, cop another person's spouse or property) I think would be something that a "God" would be all in favor of.  I think that there are God ordained humans whose life's work is to remind those of a lesser spiritual bent that "to treat others as you would be treated" is the ideal.  These people SHOULD be "the church" but like you say there are those who for milllineums have used the claim that they have a "direct line to God" to control whole populations.  I figure if there IS a God, and He created me, why wouldn't He care what happens to me and if I am living a worthwhile life or not. I'm not sure about a heaven or hell type of judgement, but once again, if there IS a God/Creator then I figure he cares if I am a hurter or a helper and when I go back to Him He will care about an accounting that I have for my actions while I passed through his Creation.
178032
Any Christian organization that asks for money is not Grace Oriented. If they were they would know that god knows they need money and He will provide it if He wants them to stay around.
630616
Fruits of their harvest (corn, etc) was used during a time where not necessarily did people have "money" their harvest was their currency.  And even if that could be "sold" for "money", if they gave up their first fruits of their harvest, they are in essence giving up money as well.  \n\nCash began as more people were working in fields that didn't produce a harvest. \n\nThey money given to the church goes to multiple things.\n\n-Keeping the bills paid (this is the ministry staff, office staff, electricity, water, etc).\n-Community Outreach (which includes food banks, soup kitchens, etc).\n- Local, National and International Missions programs.\n- Organizations that the church supports.\n\nand the list can go on and on.\n\nWithin some denominations/churches there is a committee who determines where the money is spent, how much, etc.  In other churches they vote as a congregation (majority rules at a specific %) as to where the money goes.\n\nWhen people who tithe say they are giving their money to "God" they are.  While it goes directly to the church to use, they are giving it to be used for God's purposes within the world.  Since God himself has no need for actual money in a bank acct. for his personal use.
306283
Sure, the idea of bartering has been around probably as long as we have had needs and wants. What we value differs from others, so in order to fulfill our needs and wants we quickly learned that a trade must happen.\n\nOur whole way of thinking is by placing value on an object. This value is based on its relation to our needs. Which is why some people value something more than others.\n\nAnd just so you know, even a baby trades a scream for their mothers attention. To the baby, a mothers attention is very valuable and helps with their own survival.\n\nEdit: Maybe I read that wrong. I thought you were talking about is an instinct that humans poccess, not that is exclusively to only humans. All animals barter to meet their own needs.
251475
Money is the root of all evil
72786
Because it's the best they've got?  I don't believe any religion, including Christianity, is inheriently dogmatic, misleading, or manipulative.  I do believe that some of the people who have had power and influence in the church over the years have made it so.  It's a drawback of the hierarchical setup.  I think there are many aspects of Christianity which are very valuable, and from which all people could learn - such as forgiveness or being of service to fellow human beings, (believe it or not) of being accomadating and non-judgemental.
476469
i don't know why people get so up in the air about the words, heck, God is on our money; are you going to throw it away and not spend it?
439721
I find religion goes well with Linquine Alfredo and a light Chianti. Capitalism and religion is an unholy alliance. Churches like the Catholic and Mormon Church are more profitable than many large corporations or even nations. Money is a necessary evil for churches.  The Mormon Church used to advise its members to abstain from Pepsi and other drinks that contained caffeine, until they bought large amounts of Pepsi stock.  Money in religion is the tail wagging the dog. As tax free entities they have a huge advantage. No one is forced to put money in the collection plate, but it is hard not to feel obligated when everyone around you does. This doesn't bother me. They have to pay the bills. What does bother me is the thought of TV evangelists flying around in Lear jets to talk little old ladies into putting them into their will. Still there is the good side. I took a load of used goods to a Salvation Army donation site and the man told me there were fifty men working in the warehouse trying to turn their lives around. The money was being used to change lives and not make the man at the top rich. But money does corrupt and leads to abuse, even among the faithful.
301599
No offense taken.  I believe in God because of what He has already done.  He gave His son for us, would he not freely give us all things?  (Romans 8:32)  That does not mean that we will be rich if we ask Him for it, because that may not be good for our spiritual growth.  However it does mean that He has everything we need and He wants to provide for us.  Just like I would do for my sons.
607365
1Tim.6:10-"For the love of money is a root of all sorts of injurious things...."\nThe Bible shows that it is the love of money that is the cause of the problems.Greed,living out of ones means etc are all attributed to materalism and the love of money.\nIt is a well known fact,that one does not have to have alot of money to be happy and content with life.
193499
Paul of the Bible said, "The LOVE of money is the root of all evil".\n\nThe suicide bombers do not believe that they are doing an evil work. They believe they're doing Allah's work by striking at the infidels.\nAnd, for their sacrifice, in the Muslim heaven, they will be attended by 70 vrigins.  \nTalk about giving followers an incentive; actually a bribe to commit these acts.
421364
Love.... The bible says that money is the root of all evil. So i could care less about having money. But real love thats priceless.
190010
I'd like to know the answer too. It's a phenomena that links Christians to the political right and thus to gas-guzzling, Bush-supporting SUV's. My vote for a church that believes that "a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions?"...Try United Church of Christ. Its a socially progressive denomenation that truly looks at the words of Christ and tries to make a difference in the community. Good question.
352721
The Old Testament sacrifices were a 'type' of Christ. Think of them as a credit card for sin. Jesus was the actual payment. And that payment is good for all people throughout time.
317820
Well, how pleasantly surprising to find that only 75% of the people responding to this are ignorant proselytizing judgmental morons...I was expecting something like 90-100%.\n\nHonestly, how is Christianity supposed to keep its flocks on the straight and narrow path (that leads to the collection plate) if they don't do a little scaremongering?  And you, my friend, are the perfect target...why, your NAME, according to my religion, implies evil incarnate; I might as well take my preacher at his word and not bother to find out anything more for myself.  I'll just keep my eyes and ears closed to anyone that might try to enlighten me on the subject...they're only after my soul, of course; they will only lead me astray...if I just trust in the people to whom I give my money I'll go to heaven and be all right...\n\nAhem.  Sorry.  I just get going.  No, seriously, it's the name, buddy.  Most people in the US are Christians and your namesake is their arch-nemesis.  But you don't need to be told that, am I right?  It probably wouldn't do a lot of good, but you could put a link with your question to a site that might enlighten the uninitiated.
443580
I think that reguardless of what religion or race you are, it's wrong to cheat people out of their money. Which, sadly, that is what that preacher was trying to do (if he's really a preacher at all).