The problem with charity.

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Giving, for the poor, the ill, the widow and her children, and others who have no means of earning an income, is seen as a reasonable thing by many.  there is worth to the effort.  There is a reason for it.  There is also at least one very strong reason against it.  Most churches have ignored the problem, even supported the problem, through their work.

The problem is, at one time, it was understood, that the state did a specific set of things and the church did a certain set of things.  Further, giving to the church and the state were kept to 10% each, if those were required.  Men were taxed 10% by both and it was enforced.  Today?  How much you pay in taxes can be as much as three to four times that, just on federal taxes.  Toss in state taxes, taxes and fees for doing business (you didn't think Verizon or AT&T were paying the tax/fee for Obamaphones, did you), and the rest and we are paying a fortune in taxes, not even including property taxes on automobiles, gasoline, and our homes.  The government makes more on a gallon of gasoline than the refiners do!

Churches, many/most/all of them have supported these government moves to redistribute wealth.  They did not look over the program well.  Essentially, as in Europe, as failing as it eventually is, giving both taxes for what the government does, plus charity for redistribution, to the government, cuts faith out of the market.  In Europe, as here, that was part of the intent, and it worked swimmingly in Europe.  My church asks that we give 5% to the church and another 5% to various charities of our choice.  I have to ask, does the government count?  And, where are they asking me to get the 5% I am supposed to give to them.  As lower middle class, even though my income is not actually taxed directly, I pay a significant amount in taxes.  I am taxed on doing business, get this, with my own government at times!

No, just some thoughts.  If your church supports a socialized government, one bound to redistribution, I think you should ask whether by giving so much to the government, do you really need to give to your church.  I think churches had best decide whether they believe they can continue to pursue a methodology of forced charity that prices them out of the market, or not.  Do they want to just make enough to just preach, without outreach or charity?  I am not even sure I can do that.  Actually, I don't have much choice.  I suppose I could give up having a home, or car?  Is that what they are asking?  I do wonder if those in charge of most churches aren't actually trying their damnedest to end Christianity... one government charity at a time.