Many people who attend church form new friendships and often discover more purpose in life. Religion is a personal belief and understanding that we were put on this earth to help others and spread the Good News.
Consider where the money goes:
- Funds mission trips and those who work in missions abroad
- Gives money/food to the community through food pantries and those who ask for help
- Pays for the building and all expenses associated with facilities
- Pays the church staff
So the question is: Does giving to your local church make economic sense?
Let’s look at those one at a time:
Funds missions
Many would say this is the equivalent of the US Government sending money overseas to help other countries while our own nation is suffering. And what does the money really do? That’s a great question, maybe you should look into it. 🙂
Missionaries enrich the lives of those they encounter, often providing nourishing meals or much-needed medicine.
I guess the real question is do you believe the world is better because of it?
Gives to the community
The church I belong to feeds over 120 local families every week with food pantry donations, offers abused mothers a house to live in while escaping a dangerous relationship, and gives money to those who ask for financial aid during a tough time.
We have also collected coats, shoes, and other needed belongings after certain weekends which are distributed throughout the city.
The question is:
Do you believe your local community is better because of such programs/donations?
Pays for the building and facilities
What is the economic benefit of having another building in town with a cross on it? They don’t pay property taxes or sales tax for purchases. They do purchase goods and services as well as pay for utilities like electricity. Is there an economical benefit here?
One could look at a Library in the same way since the money used to operate this cornucopia of literature doesn’t come from product sales or services provided. Instead, it comes from your local taxes.
I guess you’d have to ask yourself this question:
Does the library give me value if I choose to check out literature for free as much as a religious establishment for which I gather with others to worship my Creator on Sunday?
Pays the church staff
A skeptical person could look at this the same way they would look at the Government’s true ability to create jobs: By hiring staff to run their offices.
To help you understand your position on churches having a paid staff ask yourself this question:
Is having more jobs available in your neighborhood is better than some intern in Washington? (I know what my answer is)
Ahhhh, the benefits
My money is mine to do with as I choose. I give because it changes who I am, it improves the lives of those in my community, and saves people overseas.
Giving tithes and offerings are a personal decision just as much as my desire to support iTunes with my many purchases of songs and iPhone apps (yeah, I know).
While giving to church doesn’t always make economic sense in the way that paying the electric bill or buying groceries does, I get much more value out of seeing the lives change from those who benefit.
Do you believe there is an economic benefit to your religion?
@moneyplansos The world is better because of my church for sure.
No it doesn’t make “sense” in the way our world views sense. But for those of us who give faithfully, we know it makes all the sense in the world!
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