Time, once again, to stump
As promised, the comment area is open for your "Stump the Pastor" questions. Any question about the Bible or the Christian life is fair game. I'm looking forward to some good ones. I will do my best to respond quickly.
Note: Sorry about the delay in posting Thursday's post. Blogger wasn't working correctly for quite some time yesterday. That prevented my post from showing up until earlier today.
posted by Pastor John @ 8:06 PM
7 Comments:
You apparently have a few children of your own, so I'm curious to know what you believe the Bible teaches regarding raising children. I have heard many opinions, but I would like to hear yours.
Ok, I didn't think I would have a question for you this time but alas, I do. Now this question requires some backstory which can be compared to a good book with an extra long prologue that leaves you to be extremely annoyed and shouting "just get to chapter one already!!"...but I digress.
Last night this random guy instant messaged me and the very first thing he said was that he was raised catholic but is currently practicing western religions. He also told me that he was religiously open, meaning that he wasn't going to try to sell me his religion, but that people often get "preachy" with him and try to convert him. I told him that maybe this was because he is so open about his religion that he comes off as "my religion is right and you can believe what you want to believe but it won't effect me any." And I can't help but stick up for my own beliefs, especially since he believes in multiple gods, but I didn't want to get "into it" with a stranger.
So I guess my question is about relgious tolerance, what you personally think about it and whether being "tolerant" of multiple religions, even though you're true to your own faith, is a good or bad thing. Like saying "I don't care if you're atheist, I will respect your beliefs." Because often, I really do care... and saying you respect their beliefs is like saying it's ok that they don't believe in God. I just want your opinion on the whole thing.
ummmm, where in the bible can i find out about tithing?
and is it tithing still if instead of money to the church, we give money and/or time to cherity?
Thanks for the questions. I am going to attempt to answer all three before my head hits the pillow tonight.
Dear Anonymous,
First of all, if you click "other" you can type in your name and you don't have to leave that field blank. You don't need a Blogger account to sign in.
Anyway, your question is a very broad question, but I'll do my best.
I believe that it is the parents' role to live out their faith in Christ all day every day. This affects every decision that is made and it sets the right tone.
I believe that children should be disciplined, but not exasporated. When a young child is deliberately disobedient (as opposed to irresposible) I believe that child should be lovingly spanked (I lovingly use a wooden or plastic stirring spoon). I make a point to let my children know why they are being spanked and I also make certain that they know they are heartily forgiven if they are truly repentant. If they do something like spill a box of crayons on the kitchen floor, I make certain that they pick them up, as opposed to Andrea or I doing it for them. At times, hoping to illustrate what Christ has done for us, I have taken their punishment for them. Then I explain why I have done this.
We insist that the kids be polite and respectful to those who are older than them. We spend a lot of time teaching them Bible stories and discussing the issues that are raised in each story and how it applies to their lives, etc.
That's just a little taste of life as a child in the Stange household. I could go on, but you get the gist of our approach.
Hi Erin,
I believe that it is possible to respect another person's prerogative to differ in belief, while at the same time being openly honest about your differences.
I usually get sick of arguing about religious differences, but if the conversation can remain civil, I eagerly share why I belive in Jesus Christ and why I am convinced that eternal life is only available through Him.
I remember once acting very rudely to a couple Mormons who were trying to convert me to their cult. Afterward, I thought about how I probably didn't serve as a very good representative of Christ to them. Since that time, I have tried to be respectful to people who believe differently, while at the same time taking every opportunity to share the truth with them, in love.
We all want to "keep the peace," but truthfully, sometimes we do need to stir the pot a little. As long as you are courteous and respectful, you will probably gain a more willing audience with those who are caught up in false religions.
Hello Alicia,
Tithing was a specific regulation for those living under the Old Covenant. We live under the New Covenant and aren't necessarily bound by that same regulation.
However, I believe the heart principle still applies. Therefore, I think Christians should view everything they have as the possession of the Lord. Your car, your home, your talents, your time, etc. If you have something that can be useful to the Lord as He builds His kingdom, you should willingly let it be used for such a purpose (especially true because you wouldn't even have what you have if not for the Lord graciously giving it to you in the first place).
As far as financial giving, I believe that all Christians should faithful fund the work of the local church as well as it's various outreach arms. My personal preference is to give at least 10% of my income to my local church. That's a bare minimum. Beyond that, we choose to support other ministries as well. It seems odd to me to think of giving less than that seeing that as recipients of a better covenant we truly enjoy many additional blessings that were unavailable to those living under the Old Covenant. Since we enjoy more, it seems fitting that we should give more back.
It is better to give than to receive. Hope this helps.
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