- Banned
- #3,026
But it's true, every time an inconsistency in the text is pointed out someone will say that it's not meant to be read that way or that we aren't meant to take a literal interpretation of it, it's laughable. At least give ISIS some credit for their literal interpretation of their chosen fairytale rather than the hypocritical pick and mix version that most christians seem to adopt.
Ready for the derailment?
I would agree the modern Church in the main is hypocritical in many lesser issues. In this instance however it's the core belief of Christianity that the whole purpose for Christ coming was to do away with the OT law and put in place a new covenant. He paid the penalty for sin. The law was supposed to show us that no one can justify themselves, over hundreds of years many tried (including the Pharisees who thought they had it nailed). It's impossible for us to be good enough.
I would agree that hypocrisy in the Church exists though. I stopped going when 3 different churches couldn't give me an answer to the following questions I sent them by e-mail.
I noticed in your denominational statement that you regard tithes as God's method to support the work of the church today.
I have some questions;
(1) Did Christ not say that tithing was a lesser part of the LAW, (the weightier matters being justice, mercy and faith). Matthew 23:23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
(2) Didn't Paul say in his letter to the Galatians that if any man wanted to trust in the LAW he is cursed? (He used circumcision as an example). Wasn't the law our teacher to bring us to Christ?
(3) Isn't it clear from reading Malachi chapters 1 & 2 that the book of Malachi (including verse 3:10 which you have quoted) was directed towards the priests? Malachi 1:6b O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name? - Malachi 2:1 And now, O ye priests, this commandment is for you.
(4) Isn't it true that Paul could not have collected any TITHES because the law specifically stated that the TITHE was to be directed to the STOREHOUSE which was situated in the temple at Jerusalem, and the temple was still around whilst he was alive.
(5) Isn't it true that under the New Covenant, if we should be directed by anyone other than ourselves in how much we should give, that direction should come from the Holy Spirit?
(6) Isn't it true that Paul said the Holy Spirit had directed that no other burden should be placed on the Gentile converts than that of fleeing fornication and idolatry etc. and tithing was not one of the items mentioned? If they were going to be subject to the 'devourer' mentioned in Malachi if they didn't tithe (as is so often taught in churches today), then why didn't Paul add tithing to his list of things that the gentile converts should observe?
(7) Isn't it true that Christ told His followers just before He returned to Heaven, that they should teach all nations to observe whatsoever he had commanded THEM to observe? Can we find one instance in all of scripture where He commanded them to tithe or to teach the tithe as a New Covenant principle of giving? Admittedly in Matthew 23 He stated that the Pharisees should still tithe, but wasn't this before he fulfilled the LAW by dying on the cross? (i.e. the Pharisees were still under the law and obligated to tithe, circumcise etc whilst the law was still in operation). Notice also that Jesus used the past tense in Matthew 23:23 these ought ye to have done.
(8) Isn't it true that ancient Israel's tithing system was a precursor to our current system of taxation, which amongst other things, provides a means of support to the poor?
(9) If we are under a new and better covenant, why do so many want to resurrect particular aspects of the old covenant which was made with ISRAEL, and not with the rest of mankind? The Mormons and Seventh Day Adventists command tithing also. If people give as they are directed by the Holy Spirit, then error would be so much harder to propagate.
(10) If in the future I pastor a church and I never ask the congregation to tithe, but instead ask the Holy Spirit to guide them in how to give, will I be breaking any New Testament or New Covenant principle? If so, did Paul break same said principle when he didn't ask the Corinthian church for financial support but relied on tent-making and other means of support instead?