Here's another religious question... Let me state up front, it is NOT my intention to offend anyone with this subject.
Personally, I'm really baffled by this because it outwardly seems like a religious multi-level marketing scheme with all the money flowing to the dudes preaching it. Additionally, from what I have witnessed, and what I have heard, it seems to be both spiritually, and financially irresponsible. I have heard terms like "give your way out of debt," and "if it's not enough to meet your need, it's enough to seed."
I cannot wrap my head around the concept that God wants everyone to be rich (didn't Jesus say, "The poor will be with you always?"), and I'm not sure the idea of giving money to the church with the belief/hope/expectation that God will return it "ten-fold" is very Christian. It seems to reduce God to a cosmic craps game.
Can someone explain this to me?
And everyone, please keep the responses respectful. Thanks.
Personally, I'm really baffled by this because it outwardly seems like a religious multi-level marketing scheme with all the money flowing to the dudes preaching it. Additionally, from what I have witnessed, and what I have heard, it seems to be both spiritually, and financially irresponsible. I have heard terms like "give your way out of debt," and "if it's not enough to meet your need, it's enough to seed."
I cannot wrap my head around the concept that God wants everyone to be rich (didn't Jesus say, "The poor will be with you always?"), and I'm not sure the idea of giving money to the church with the belief/hope/expectation that God will return it "ten-fold" is very Christian. It seems to reduce God to a cosmic craps game.
Can someone explain this to me?
And everyone, please keep the responses respectful. Thanks.