The Crux of the Pro-tithe Argument

[Esaias]

Originally Posted by Tithesmeister

So, if you are neither Levite nor priest, how are you supposed to be collecting tithes from the members?

I agree with your position, by the way. But most pastors pretend that they replaced the Levites, or Levitical priests, and base their eligibility to collect tithes on that belief.

So, I’m confused. Didn’t you say that you got the tithes, or that they were under your control?

If so, what do you base this doctrine on?

I’m unaware of a shepherd receiving tithes in the Bible.

We aren't supposed to be tied down to the Bible for our doctrines. At least that's basically what I've learned here on AFF.

[Tithesmeister]

Originally Posted by Esaias

We aren't supposed to be tied down to the Bible for our doctrines. At least that's basically what I've learned here on AFF.

Oops, I forgot. I was way overthinking it.

[Tithesmeister]

Originally Posted by votivesoul

Something else from 1 Corinthians 9:12.

Paul mentions there about some anonymous group of people who were claiming to have the right to forbear working and partake of the Corinthians material wealth. Paul then writes that it was he and Barnabas instead who were the ones who had that right, that is, whoever these anonymous men were, they didn't have the right to make such claims because the Corinthians were not their work in the Lord.

This anonymous group of men is most likely the super-apostles who likely came from Jerusalem in Paul's absence and set up shop, as I've already addressed. Therefore, the ENTIRE chapter and all Paul writes is about him and Barnabas ONLY. He was drawing a comparison between himself/Barnabas and these "super-apostles" that he writes about more in 2 Corinthians 11.

Votive Soul, I have long believed that the anonymous men that you refer to as “super apostles” were some of the other apostles from the Jerusalem church. Maybe James, Peter, etc.. The one who actually followed Jesus during His earthly ministry. That’s speculation on my part, but anyway, the word “rather” that Paul uses in the passage indicates that they weren’t truly worthy of support. He doesn’t say “are not we as well?” But, the way I read it is as though “aren’t we rather” means aren’t we worthy instead of they?

1 Corinthians 9:12 King James Version (KJV)

12 If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.

[Esaias]

Originally Posted by Tithesmeister

Votive Soul, I have long believed that the anonymous men that you refer to as “super apostles” were some of the other apostles from the Jerusalem church. Maybe James, Peter, etc.. The one who actually followed Jesus during His earthly ministry. That’s speculation on my part, but anyway, the word “rather” that Paul uses in the passage indicates that they weren’t truly worthy of support. He doesn’t say “are not we as well?” But, the way I read it is as though “aren’t we rather” means aren’t we worthy instead of they?

1 Corinthians 9:12 King James Version (KJV)

12 If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.

Perhaps he is saying if you support these guys, shouldn't you rather support us? In other words he may not be saying these others have a God ordained right to forbear from working, but if the Corinthians thought they did, then logic would demand Paul and company had as much right if not more.

[Evang.Benincasa]

Originally Posted by Tithesmeister

If the Catholics keep having to settle pedophilia lawsuits, they may have to resort to imposing the tithe on the faithful.

Why? My point is that without tithing LIMIT of ten percent they made MORE money? I guess you missed that? Good grief.

[coksiw]

Originally Posted by Evang.Benincasa

Why? My point is that without tithing LIMIT of ten percent they made MORE money? I guess you missed that? Good grief.

From the pulpit: “We won’t teach tithing in this Church!”
Some congregants: (Phew, finally)
From the pulpit: “That limit is not Scriptural!!”
Some congregants: (Nervous swallowing)

[Nicodemus1968]

Originally Posted by coksiw

From the pulpit: “We won’t teach tithing in this Church!”
Some congregants: (Phew, finally)
From the pulpit: “That limit is not Scriptural!!”
Some congregants: (Nervous swallowing)

Is that what the church feels like? Or is that what you feel like?

I’ll tell you what, I never felt like that! It was a blessing! SMH

[coksiw]

Originally Posted by Nicodemus1968

Is that what the church feels like? Or is that what you feel like?

I’ll tell you what, I never felt like that! It was a blessing! SMH

I was just joking brother.

[Nicodemus1968]

Originally Posted by coksiw

I was just joking brother.

You got me good. I was like, “are you serious?”

[Evang.Benincasa]

Originally Posted by coksiw

From the pulpit: “We won’t teach tithing in this Church!”
Some congregants: (Phew, finally)
From the pulpit: “That limit is not Scriptural!!”
Some congregants: (Nervous swallowing)

I have an associate whose mother was part of a Presbyterian church. Who left her entire estate to the church in her will.