Church Paradox: Evangelicals vs. Evangelism

Evangelicals vs. Evangelism

I beg forgiveness but it would appear that most church are more concerned about fulfilling their “quota” on evangelising to other non-believers. And when occassion rises, they skirt around issues involving other beliefs. At times, they may resort to insensitive remarks. Some avoid interactions with non-believers. It is acceptable that an average Christian may not know much about apologetics (neither do I) or some high level insights into anthropology or comparative religion studies, but there is certainly no harm to engage in a healthy friendship. So, it is perhaps safe to presume that most “Christians” are merely church practitioners. The label of Christians hardly fit them in terms of principles and attitudes.

Evangelism is not about preaching to own family members or the Joe and Jill staying next door, just because they invite you to their kids’ birthday parties every year and of course, as long as they do not park their vehicles in front of your gates or entrance. Sad to say, this is what most of church goers set out to do for the rest of their lives – which is an awful lot of evangelical activity considering that an average family has less than five (5) members in most blood-sucking capitalist nations and socialistic nation with explosive population.

And you wonder why evangelism is not growing at an exponential rate. Go figure.

Church Paradox: Fantasy vs. Occult

Fantasy vs. Occult

Churches have a serious lack of imagination. And that proves to be among their greatest weakness, oversight and fault. Parents and leaders and believers go berserk at the mention of dragons, elves, gnomes and probably get cardiac arrest when referring to goblins or anything demonic. At the same time, they universally praising C S Lewis’s and Tolkien’s fantasy epics, ignoring or failing to realize (i dunno which is more foolish) that the underlying concept was of fantasy. Yes, fantasy, the very genre rejected by Christians who view fantasy books as occultic or demonic.

Careful insight into the life of C S Lewis revealed that his fascination with occult, fantasy and mythology had probably diverted him from atheism. And following that, his eventual embrace of theism. This is perhaps one of the most underrated miracle to occur in his life. Without which, the world may end up with a strong advocate on either atheism or occultism rather than one of the greatest Sic-Fi & Fantasy writer who churned out equally outstanding series of Christian devotions and apologetics.

Church Paradox: Christianity and Cults

Christianity and Cults

The churches are not the nicest folks around when they encounter mainstream Christian cult members (General definition of cult: deviation from the original teachings). The most neglected ministry in the history of church, leaders and believers alike had failed to demonstrate understanding, love and patience in dealing with these groups. To be fair, a typical church goer is probably clueless as to what to say to a Mormon or Moonie just as much as they isolate themselves from their fellow ethnic members (e.g. Chinese, Indian,Thai etc.) with traditional beliefs.

That does not excuse the full time church leaders; pride and prejudice has blinded them to the fact that most Jehovah Witnesses and Mormons are probably more sacrificial and more grounded in Christian values and actions; doctrines aside of course. And believe it or not the Mormons (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) are seriously talented fiction writers. Just look at Orson Scott Card, Stephanie Meyer, Brandon Sanderson, Tracy Hickman and hosts of others – which brings us to the next topic…

Church Paradox: Law, Grace and Tax

Sunday after Sunday, some divinity protege would highlight these two perspectives from the pulpit or fellowship. At times, not very gracious when they “bombard” fellow ministers on some fundamental biblical truths/wrongs going as far as to claim other churches are “out-dated” and legalistic. While I must admit some of the “gracian” ideas are refreshing but I do feel sorry for those who find themselves at the receiving end of the remark.

Some retaliate in anger, others do not have the same frequency to note the difference and the more gracious ones note that the “gracians” are missing the whole point of the gospel and embracing grace does not give one the license to sin. By the way, these “gracians” are still collecting 10% tithes claiming this principle was incorporated by father Abraham – rendering it pre-Moses and, hence pre-ten-commandments and hence, pre-law. Now let’s be open here, it is not about grace or law..it is all about where the 10% is going to right? Church A, Church B….

And widows, fatherless, strangers/immigrants/aliens, levites(church workers) and poor folks like me are defenseless as usual…no church is gonna take up our cause since the whole issue was about which church coffer is ending up with the 10%…. On top of that we still have to pay tax up to 25%…oh minus the recent 1% cut/exemption…

For more reflections on church related issues, you can refer to www.blogpastor.net

Church Tax

Source: Wikipedia

Austria
Church tax is compulsory in Austria and Catholics can be sued by the Church for not paying it. Anyone who wants to stop paying it has to declare in writing, at their local municipal council, that they are leaving the Church. They are then crossed off the Church registers and can no longer receive the sacraments. The tax amounts to about 1% of the income.

Denmark
All members of the Church of Denmark pay a church tax, which varies between municipalities. The tax is generally around 1% of the taxable income.

German
Germany levies a church tax, on all persons declaring themselves to be Christians, of roughly 8-9% of the income tax, which is effectively (very much depending on the social and financial situation) typically between 0.2% and 1.5% of the total income. The proceeds are shared amongst Catholic, Lutheran, and other Protestant Churches.

Italy
The last official statement of Italian Ministry of Finance made in respect of the year 2000 singles out seven beneficiaries: the Italian State, the Catholic Church, the Waldenses, the Jewish Communities, the Lutherans, the Seventh-day Adventist Church and the Assemblies of God in Italy.

The tax was divided up as follows:
87.17% Catholic Church
10.35% Italian State
1.21% Waldenses
0.46% Jewish Communities
0.32% Lutherans
0.28% Adventists of the Seventh Day
0.21% Assemblies of God in Italy
In 2000 the Catholic Church raised almost a billion euros, while the Italian State received about 100 million euros.

United States
The United States has never collected a church tax or mandatory tithe on its citizens, which is generally specified in the 1st Amendment (specifically the Establishment Clause) to the US Constitution. The United States and its governmental subdivisions also exempt most churches from payment of income tax (under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and similar state statutes, which also allows donors to claim the donations as an income tax itemized deduction). Also, churches may be permitted exemption from other state and local taxes such as sales and property taxes, either in whole or in part. However, churches are required to withhold Federal and state income tax from their employees along with the employee’s share of Social Security and Medicare taxes, and pay the employer’s share of the latter two taxes, unless the employee is an ordained minister.