In this link, Richard Beck talks of the bait and hook of modern Christianity – a high sense of spirituality coupled with a deplorable sense of social justice and simple kindness to others. Many call this hypocritical, but I imagine Beck knew how this word (hypocrite) is more insulting than instructive. For his main example he cites the cheap and haughty attitudes of Christians that bombard a restaurant for brunch after their morning church experience. The hypocrisy is found in how the people treat a restaurant waiter with contempt while eating, leaving little to no tip, right after worshipping and giving thanks to a generous and merciful God.
It’s easy for me to read this article and say, “Man, I’m so lucky to not be in that boat. I’m glad I have the direction in my life to not eat out on Sundays, helping me to avoid the pitfall of being a cheap and detestable customer.” But if Beck is critiquing Christians and Mormons consider themselves Christian, than we must ask ourselves how his observation applies to us. Sure, we may not eat out on Sundays but that doesn’t mean Mormonism is immune to the issue of a high sense of spirituality – Temple worship, reading scriptures, family time, prayer, callings – and a low sense of kindness and compassion.
Beck had his example, and here is mine. After reading Mosiah 4:16-18 a Sunday School teacher began to explain his approach to the issue of giving money to the poor. For him, it was easier to give to the church instead of the beggar on the side of the road because he was sure that the money would be used appropriately when given to the church, while if he gave directly to the beggar, who knows what it would be spent on (drugs, alcohol, etc). I was speechless. The scripture seems pretty cut and dry, but here was a teacher contradicting the very clear message of a very clear book. How about verse 22? Heck, how about the entire chapter! The lesson: If you got it, give it, and if you don’t, wish that you did. For some reason this teacher had no problem in missing the point and everyone in the audience was nodding their heads to agree – except me (and I hope there were others).
This is not an isolated event. I have heard this same rhetoric in other settings and lessons in the church. The LDS people make a bold claim that they have another testament of Jesus Christ along with the Bible, but when the attitude of the people does not conform to this additional unfolding of God’s love and presence, what’s the point? I almost want to say that it doesn’t matter if you believe in the Book of Mormon; what matters is how you live out its teachings. Who cares if God gives you all the lost books of scripture in the world if you can’t even be charitable to the one’s around you?
I taught seminary for one year. I was an awful teacher and I feel sorry for the youth under my care. However, I learned to love the teachings of Jacob 2:17-19 and made a special effort to really try and instill in my students the love of loving. I leave with you verse 17. I think it will really strike at the heart of the matter.
“Think of your brethren [and sisters] like unto yourselves, and be familiar with all and free with your substance, that they may be rich like unto you.”
Hey Travis - I hope all is well with your family and that your holidays are going well.
ReplyDeleteThis is an issue I have struggled with. I have given to the person on the street at times, and other times I have gone past them. I think the cumulative benefit to the poor from a purely temporal standpoint is greater if money is given to honest organizations to distribute to the poor. I suspect there are many people who are too ashamed to beg for money, and there are others who do beg who have mental illnesses and cannot logically think of what they should do with money that is given to them. I think there would be countless people who would be worse off if we did not have food banks and other worthy charities.
From a personal spiritual and emotional standpoint, I think the personal giving does more. The receiver can feel that someone in the world cares about them, and the giver experiences the real human touch that does not come from writing a check to an organization. However, handing money to someone on the street is just a step above writing a check to an organization - It is very easy to do. It takes more effort and courage to get to know the person; to crouch down to their level, take their hand and give them something; to take them into your home and feed them; to make them feel God's love for them. Many of us, including myself, are very hesitant to take strangers into our homes because of the danger. Elizabeth Smart's family is a prime example of this. They wanted to help the poor, and it turned out the person had mental issues and harmed their family in a tragic way.
Sometimes we may think of the poor as being the person on the street, but we have poor all around us and can help in other ways such as helping pay for someone's mission. In summary, I think it is a delicate balance between giving to individuals and giving to organizations, and panhandlers are not the only poor among us.
Doug R
Even in so-called Zion (Utah) many parking lots for restaurants, lakes, campgrounds, stores, etc. are filled to the brim with customers on Sunday. Travis, I have had the same experience with some Sunday School lessons, where complete false doctrine has been taught. I comment, correcting the false doctrine, and I am looked at like the weirdo. Hypocrisy is rampant in the world, even among the elect of Zion, where even "the very elect shall go astray". May we be ever mindful of where our heart is when it comes to the children of God and the teachings of Christ. All Christians (especially including Latter-day Saints) should be careful to not be Pharisiacal with the beams in our own eyes, while we attempt to pluck out the splinter in another's eye, especially those who have not made covenents. Search, Ponder, Pray, Repeat would be good advice for any Disciple of Christ. I appreciate your thoughts in this new blog.
ReplyDeleteDoug,
ReplyDeleteI am so glad to hear you struggle in this! The struggle is wrestling with the Spirit and I hope you never stop.
I often think of Jesus talking to the unclean and tax collectors (Matt. 18). He had an approach to people that extended itself beyond just writing a check and I think you recognize it. I also agree with you that the Smart family is a reality in our world and we should probably do what the good Samaritan did - find them a hotel (or salvation army). But, let's at least get to know their name, be it a future missionary or beggar on the street.
Alan,
ReplyDeleteWhat! Zion is open on Sundays!?! Just kidding.
I appreciate your remark: "All Christians (especially including Latter-day Saints) should be careful to not be Pharisiacal with the beams in our own eyes, while we attempt to pluck out the splinter in another's eye, especially those who have not made covenents." I feel a bit convicted in reading this remark because I have been Pharisaical today, so thank you. I want to share with you my experience that amongst the ministers and preachers I attend school with, they speak of covenants just as strongly as we do. They may not have covenant as spelled out as Mormons do, but the Christians I associate with live a devoted life to Christ because of a strong sense of the covenant of Christ's atoning sacrifice. I have learned a lot of lessons from these men and women (yes, women ministers. AAAAAAHHH!!) who have helped me pluck out some ugly beams. Thank you for helping me today see another one.
I read a quote by John Widtsoe today that I think ties in this topic well with the other post on Vicarious Baptism: "The principle of infinite, loving brotherhood among men, as exemplified in the work for the dead, may be applied in the daily lives of the living. If so much work is done, so much time and energy expended and so much care bestowed upon the salvation of the dead, how much more should we help and support and love the living. The living must always be man's first concern. This principle, carried into our daily lives, means that we must continually and at our own sacrifice help each other. Then only will the sacrifice for the dead not be in vain." from A Rational Theology.
ReplyDeleteSome members may miss the point here. I at times have. But I have seen numerous good examples in my life. One time at QuikTrip my dad and I saw a guy who had microwaved a sandwich and tried to purchase it with food stamps. The clerk told the guy that food stamps can't buy fast food. So, the guy handed him the sandwich, and left. Then the clerk just threw the sandwich in the trash. My dad, infuriated, walked outside and gave the guy $20 and told me to go buy a good lunch. Always made a big impression on me.
And throughout my time in the youth program many leaders would help us. We would often (about once every 3 months) go to the homeless shelter in Tulsa to serve food and clean the place.
Ultimately, I can't judge the brother who prefers to give through the church Fast Offering program over a direct cash donation. I think both have their place. But certainly the poor are benefitting either way. In modern society with a pretty secure social safety net, was that brother really turning the beggar "out to perish?" Even I struggle to hand cash to a guy who's smoking, it just bothers me to think that I'll be funding the habit. In OKC, I offered a guy a meal at a nearby restaurant only to be barraged with expletives. But conversely, I also saw a family begging in the hot sun in August on I-35 in Moore and they gratefully let me buy them a meal at Denny's. So, needless to say, each one of us has to follow our own conscience in our daily lives, knowing that someday we will have to justify ourselves before God for our decisions.
Adam,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your experiences. I see your sharing not as boasting but as providing some very tangible examples of love.
So, as far as I know, Mormon Messages are sanctioned by the church, and thus we can consider what's on them to represent church views. I find it comforting, with regards to this post, what the church really feels about helping the poor, (as opposed to what some members may feel), as reflected in the video below.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/user/MormonMessages#p/c/4E784EC0770935C0/1/9OcQXpZwRKY
Travis,
ReplyDeleteI think this particular blog entry has bothered me most of all. It indicates a clear desire to find instances in which Mormons do not act in complete alignment with how you perceive Mormon teachings. We could most likely write an entire encyclopedia concerning those instances and still not cover them all. However..., I take the position that of all the identifiable peoples of the world, Mormons are one of the last to have to apologize for not "giving". In fact, we are experts having it been instilled into our cultural DNA from the very beginning. Institutions have been set for the sole purpose of aiding those that are in need. Countless hours have been given, and will continue to be given, to those in need even to the point that a 4th mission of the church has been created with the mandate to give substance through our welfare programs.
I am afraid that you missed the point of the lesson and said lesson, while I was not there, was not in contradiction to scripture. The verses in Mosiah clearly point to our need to give to others, especially those that are in need... no question there and the Sunday teacher was not debating that point. The lesson apparently went on to discuss in what "manner" we are to give. Does our "giving" help or does it hurt? ”Experts" in giving eventually have to ask themselves such a question. The teacher evidently felt solace in giving to the Church and allowing the bishop to decide what is appropriate. The issue of whether to give or not to give is not in question, and the teacher was not contradicting the "very clear message of a very clear book" contrary to what you had hoped.
I think having a discussion concerning "how" we give is warranted and I really feel that is where your Sunday school teacher was going. We live in an age where "begging" has become a profession and I do not think we have to review the events surrounding Elizabeth Smart. Are we really helping people by giving them the means to acquire substances to further their addictions? Is merely handing someone on the street money a means to help them or just a way to satisfy our own egos; making them go away? And even if I jump into the lives of others and really try to "help" them, I have learned that I often times become the new enemy. Let's not forget to mention the need we have to protect our own families as we attempt to help others. In spite of all these reasons we have NOT to give, the scriptures teach us otherwise and require that we find ways to help others. Fast offerings given to the Bishop are beyond reproach and are not in violation of the scriptures. These funds go directly to those in need without the "skimming off the top" other Christian churches seem to justify. Allowing a judge in Israel to discern what and how much is needed is one of the best institutions to give appropriately.
At times, individuals within the Church may finds themselves in "hypocritical" positions warranting self reflection and change, however, this is not one of them.
RHA
"'Skimming off the top' other Christian churches seem to justify."
DeleteReally?
Until The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is willing to report its financials as every "other Christian" church does, maybe you should tone down the anti-Christian rhetoric. You were making a pretty good point until you made a completely superfluous and unsupported slander.
Just a reminder; we all need them sometimes. (though this one was really out of left field, I must say)
Are you suggesting for a moment that the LDS Church does not report what is required by law? Are you suggesting that every other church is reporting more? Really? "Every other church" does NOT report their finances beyond that of the LDS Church! About every few years another "investigation" is conducted into the finances of the LDS Church and every time they investigate, they find the same thing... Nothing. "Nothing" from one of the most wealthy churches in the world...!
DeleteI have intimate knowledge of the finances of the local LDS Churches/Wards/Stakes. Every dime is counted and sent off to the Church. No money is taken, no preacher is paid, no percentages are allocated. I also have intimate knowledge of the financials of some local Protestant Churches and whether you want to call it "skimming", percentages or allocations; that is how they are structured. In 2006, the "average" pastor of a 1000 person congregation received over $112,000. I do not bemoan the amount except when you make the comparison to LDS stake presidents (about 1000 members) who make $0 from their religious work. If you want to convict the LDS Church of building churches, temples, schools, food distribution centers, etc.,... guilty as charged. But let's dig deeper...
I call this the "Al Capone" test. Let us not look at the income (which is tough to verify), and look at outgoing funds. All these "Christian" brothers and sisters have lifestyles that demonstrate incomes in the millions:
Fred Price of Ever Increasing Faith Ministries
Kenneth Copeland of Kenneth Copeland Ministries
Paul and Jan Crouch of Trinity Broadcasting Network
Joel Osteen, pastor of Lakewood Church in Houston
Don Loomer, pastor of First Baptist Church of Elk Grove
... And I am only scratching the surface. These are only a few of the people that have amassed enormous wealth derived from their religious positions. Is this what you are calling "Christian"?
Now the challenge: Find me the LDS General Authority, Member of the 12 Apostles or the Prophet (those that direct Church finances), living or having lived, the lifestyle indicating there is something "going on" with Church finances... Please find one... in all the years the Church has been in existence. Surely if you are going to suggest financial improprieties, someone is receiving the "benefits" somewhere.
So let me get this straight... You can say whatever you want to about the LDS Church or doctrine and it is only an effort to evaluate unexamined "assumptions". I say what I want... and it is labeled "anti-Christian"??? I would counsel you to at least be consistent and judicious with your labels.
RHA
RHA,
DeleteWhoa! Take it easy. If I wasn't trying to be level-headed I would be greatly offended by all of which you have accused me.
You stuffed a whole lot into what I actually said. I never said anything but that 1) you came out of left field with an unwarranted attack against "other Christian churches." 2) 1 qualifies as "anti-Christian" 3)you might not needlessly breech the topic of Christian church bookkeeping when the LDS church doesn't report...
I should have been more specific and said "report to its members." Maybe your response would have been different if I had remembered to specify that.
I'm absolutely certain that the LDS church reports everything legally required to the government. But it is my understanding from reading and experience that the LDS church does not report its financials to the membership.
In fact, no one made any claim that the LDS church is irresponsible with tithe and offering money at all on this thread (that I am aware of). Travis was just talking about the ways of giving. So, again, your whole topic of financial ethics was off-topic, let alone the quick swipe against Christian churches.
As far as implying anything by what I actually said: in the end, anyone can cover up "skimming" if they are talented enough - so implications of the sort you railed against are moot. I just thought that before you needlessly breech this topic it might be good for the LDS church to do what everybody else does - report to their members.
Personally, I do think it is very disconcerting that the LDS church does not. What could possibly be the reason? The one I heard from one of the Brethren was not impressive - ~"so as not to embarrass the widow's mite"~.
RHA, I have never said "whatever" I want. In fact, you have accused me of all you wanted me to have said. Instead, I have kept to the topics. And I have only ever brought up negatives of the LDS church when someone (most often you) has already made a derisive statement about Christian churches.
Even then I don't say "whatever" I want to say. Instead I try to make it correspond directly with the accusation first laid by the other and explicitly remind them not to make attacks against Christianity.
I could have said all kinds of things if I wanted to say "whatever" about LDS finances, but I didn't. I just gave an instance in which LDS and Christian churches are not acting on equal terms, so probably best not to compare their actions.
RHA, I am not here to attack. None of my posts attack anyone. I critique. I look for the implications, the consistencies, and the inconsistencies.
I would still appreciate it if you would cool down. Please do not take cheap shots at Christianity. If I do so against LDS, please let me know. I know that these topics are important to each of us. I also know that we as humans can get defensive and defensively offensive quickly. So you let me know when I have taken a cheap shot. If I don't think I have, I'll explain why. If I could have done better I'll be thankful for your reminder.
Agreed?
RHA,
ReplyDeleteYou are totally right, RHA. You were not there. You do not know the direction of the discussion. Believe me, my example is a real one. While the lesson manual may have given certain directions, the discussion went a different one. I imagine you have been in at least one Sunday school lesson like that? It happens.
While I appreciate your many examples of how the LDS Church does many great things I would just ask that you take a deep breathe and realize that I am not attacking the Church. Actually, I am affirming the wonderful teachings of the BoM. Yeah, people miss it sometimes, both in Sunday School and in their personal lives. I provided just one example of a missed opportunity; a case study, that's all. It's okay to look at the times when we miss the mark as a community and try to do better next time. In fact, telling each other about our flaws is helpful. For example, Alma. The guy is extremely forth coming about his mistakes and we get to learn from them. I appreciate that approach to life.
I'm glad you feel like you can give to the LDS Church in good confidence. That's great. I truly hope those funds are reaching our brothers and sisters in desperate situations.
Thanks.