The link above is for an article titled "Church collection plates may go empty as electronic giving rises". It talks about how more and more people are donating to their churches online through their bank accounts, which will eventually eliminate the need to pass the plate. One of the objections to electronic donating is that it takes out the whole tangible feeling of sacrifice that is involved with donation. This reminded me of the idea that we talked about in class that communion and baptism and some forms of worship are just symbolic representations of the real emotions behind the actions. So even though electronic and physical donating are the same, I would much rather pass the plate because I would actually be able to feel the sacrifice of giving up money to the church. Let me know what you guys think.
Electronic donations should not be a matter of discussion in the church today. These donations are given for sentimental reason and the church’s responsibility is to use the money to increase its position in its community. Electronic donations allows for many to partition their salaries to where the church becomes an obvious priority in their lives. I understand that there is argument of the sentimental aspect of giving offerings and tithes, but who is to judge? I think that God sees what is in a man heart when he gives not putting into account how much they give. I also think that the church is no position to decide any gift given no matter what form it comes in.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Michael...why should it matter how you give? It shouldn't. The only thing that matters is that a member of a church does donate to their church since christians are called to do so. If it is more convenient for people to tithe online then I don't think it should be frowned upon. The church is still receiving the same amount of money regardless if it is electronically or in person.
ReplyDeleteI would have to agree with the above two comments as well. The act of passing the plate in Church is simply a symbol of what it means to tithe and fiscally make a sacrifice. Electronic donations should not be questioned as long as the intentions of the heart are true. If anything I would think electronic donations could have more sentimental value because of a privacy factor. (Passing the plate could be made into a show, or one donating money simply because they feel pressured when eyes are on them) By donating electronically, it is more of an act between yourself, God, and the administrators of the Church. However a donation is a donation in whether that be through the passing of the plate or electronic donation.
ReplyDelete-Lauren Miller
Lauren makes a good point when saying that passing the plate could possibly be made into a show, or turn into a social pressure. It's true and undeniably happens all of the time. I will honestly say that I have thrown a few dollars in an offering plate because I feel guilty or socially responsible to do so. However, putting on a show may not even be out of a selfish heart, for one could only be trying to set an example for others or showing that believers do have good and giving hearts. Although these motives aren't bad, they are not the intended motives for giving. I believe that the most important reason to give is to try your best to love like Jesus did. Micah 6:8 says, "He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with our God." I realize that this verse can be used to support many loving actions, but I also recognize that this action of donating money for your church and those in need is one of these loving actions. As others have already said, it shouldn't matter how the money is given, in person or online. I don't believe that it takes away the tradition because the tradition is in the heart - it is the tradition to love kindness unconditionally and do justice by trying your best to provide ways for the least of these to be treated justly and live a better life. Through giving to the church, these things can be done in even bigger and better ways than they can be when done alone. Giving money to the church is not in the least bit like "paying a bill" as someone stated in the article, unless it is done with a dishonest heart. We must look past the way the money is received and pay attention to what the outcome can possibly be.
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