I am getting into it with a JW about this, who is claiming that WTS encourages and allows JWs to do charity work and give donations to non-JW charities. I know I've seen the opposite in print in WTS literature, but I can't find it right now. Google and searching this forum--haven't turned up anything. The only thing I can find is stuff specific to the YMCA.
Need Article on No Contributions to Non-JW Charities "Spiritual Food"
by rebel8 9 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
-
-
blondie
*** g93 6/8 pp. 26-27 The Bible?s Viewpoint
Charitable
Contributions?A Christian Obligation?LESS than ten years ago, the PTL (Praise the Lord) Club, headquartered in the southeastern United States, solicited donations as a religious charity. Using a satellite-TV network and the mails, they collected hundreds of millions of dollars, which came pouring in to fill their coffers?ostensibly to spread the gospel.
Imagine how the thousands who had sent money to the PTL Club felt when they read news reports such as the Associated Press dispatch that said Jim Bakker, former president of PTL, together with his wife, Tammy, "reportedly were paid $1.6 million in salary and bonuses in 1986." Worse yet, the report added: "Those payments were made even though the ministry is at least $50 million in debt . . . Some $265,000 in PTL money had been set aside for [Jessica] Hahn to ensure her silence about the [sexual] encounter with Bakker."
Before handing down a prison sentence to Bakker for defrauding his followers, the judge at his trial said: "Those of us who do have a religion are sick of being saps for money-grubbing preachers and priests."
Religion is not alone in zealously pushing the emotional buttons of contributors and then pocketing most of the money. It is not unusual for some fund-raisers to keep more than 90 percent of the donations they solicit.
Is it any wonder, then, that people are getting fed up with such charities? However, what are Christians to do? Are they obligated to give to organized charities? What guidelines does the Bible give to ensure the wise use of funds when helping others? What is the best and most practical way to help others?
Giving?Yes
and NoTo be sure, the Bible?s counsel is to be kind and generous toward those in need. From ancient times God?s people have been encouraged to "be liberal, ready to share." (1 Timothy 6:18; Deuteronomy 15:7, 10, 11) In fact, Christians are told at 1 John 3:17: "Whoever has this world?s means for supporting life and beholds his brother having need and yet shuts the door of his tender compassions upon him, in what way does the love of God remain in him?"
Give, yes; but beware! We are regularly bombarded by charities, religions, and annual community-service campaigns; most make compelling appeals. However, in evaluating them it is good to remember the Bible proverb: "Anyone inexperienced puts faith in every word, but the shrewd one considers his steps." (Proverbs 14:15) In other words, beware of accepting the claims or promises of charities at face value. How is the collected money really used? Are the organizations funded those that a Christian should support? Are their activities political, nationalistic, or connected with false religion? Is the avowed purpose practical and not in conflict with Scriptural principles?
Some charities are able to do much good for people in need. When affected by natural disasters or catastrophic illness, many times Christians themselves have received benefits from such charities. Other charities, though, have high administrative costs or high fund-raising costs, with the result that only a small portion of the money collected is actually used for the advertised purpose. For example, a recent survey of 117 of the United States? largest nonprofit organizations, including charities, found that more than a quarter of them pay their top executives a yearly salary of $200,000 or more. Audits often reveal expenditures for luxury items and the financing of an opulent life-style. Regardless of the name of the charity, it would take a long stretch of the imagination to believe that contributing to such schemes would fulfill the Bible?s command to help those in need.
A
Balanced ViewThough no one wants to waste his money?or worse, see it used to line the pockets of self-serving men?there is also the need to guard against becoming cynical in the matter of giving. Do not use the inefficiency or even the dishonesty of some "charities" as an excuse to look down on needy ones or to squelch feelings of compassion. Proverbs 3:27, 28 counsels: "Do not hold back good from those to whom it is owing, when it happens to be in the power of your hand to do it. Do not say to your fellowman: ?Go, and come back and tomorrow I shall give,? when there is something with you." (Compare 1 John 3:18.) Do not assume that all organized charities are either wasteful or fraudulent. Examine the facts, then make a personal decision whether to give or not.
Many prefer to help by personal, direct gifts to needy individuals and families. Thus, the givers are sure of the practical, immediate use to which their contributions can be put. This also provides opportunity to upbuild and express kindness in words as well as deeds. Even if you do not have much to give materially, you can still have the joy of giving. Next time you hear of a genuine need for such help, give what you can in the spirit of 2 Corinthians 8:12: "If the readiness is there first, it is especially acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what a person does not have."
Have in mind, too, that sometimes what may do the most good is something other than money. Jesus told his followers to "go, preach, saying, ?The kingdom of the heavens has drawn near.? . . . You received free, give free." (Matthew 10:7, 8) Similarly today, Christians realize that the time, energy, and money spent in supporting Kingdom witnessing?which improves lives and gives hope?is charitable giving of the best kind.
The Bible?s view, then, is to be kind, generous, and practical. It reminds us that material help is often needed, and the need should not be ignored. At the same time do not feel obligated to give to any and all who may solicit your money. Consider how best to use the money you have so as to please God and to give the greatest practical help to your own family and to your fellowman. (1 Timothy 5:8; James 2:15, 16) Imitate Jesus in being observant of and responsive to the needs of others?spiritually and materially. In the words of Hebrews 13:16: "Do not forget the doing of good and the sharing of things with others, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased."
-
blondie
*** w86 10/1 pp. 22-24 "Love Your Neighbor"?What Is the Most Practical Way? ***
WHEN you see fellow humans in dire need, what do you feel? What does a picture of starving children, for example, make you want to do? ?I feel pity,? you will say, ?and I want to help.? The vast sums of money annually contributed to charitable organizations and relief agencies indicate that many people evidently feel the same way.
Performing such good works for the benefit of people in need is commendable, especially in view of Jesus? instruction to love our neighbor as ourselves. (Matthew 19:19) Many sincere people believe that the most practical way of showing their neighbor love is by building and supporting hospitals and schools, by contributing to good causes, and by engaging in various forms of social work. ?That is what Christianity is all about,? they may say, perhaps adding, if speaking to Jehovah?s Witnesses, ?certainly more practical than spending your time and energy preaching from house to house about religion as you people do.?
But is it? Just how can we love our neighbor in the most practical way and to his greatest long-term benefit?
What
Does Your Money Accomplish?Prospective donors to worthy causes have reason to ask: ?Just how much of my contribution will directly benefit the people it is designed to help?? A 1978 investigation of 15 leading charitable organizations in the Federal Republic of Germany, for example, revealed that at that time administrative and distribution costs ate up some 42 percent of the organizations? total income.
When television officials checked the savings accounts of six "adopted children" in Bolivia, they discovered that only 6 to 15 percent of the total amount of contributions made by their "adoptive parents" in the Federal Republic of Germany had been credited to the children?s bank accounts. A spokeswoman for the organization denied charges of fraud, however, explaining that prospective donors are clearly told that the children will get only about one third of their "parent?s" contributions. The rest, after caring for administrative costs, reportedly would be used for educational and medical purposes.
Of course, examples of misused charity are not unknown. This is true of relief measures in connection with recent famines in Africa. In Ethiopia, political problems prevented much of the food from reaching those in need, and in some instances food donations were reportedly sold?at excessive prices?rather than distributed free of charge.
Carl Bakal?s publication Charity U.S.A. cautions: "Where the cause is noble, how the money is spent is never questioned. I don?t want people to stop giving. I just thought questions should be answered because they were giving so blindly." Obviously, giving blindly is unwise and can hardly be considered practical.
Following
the Example Set by JesusThese facts are regrettable, of course, but would they justify refusing to support such worthy causes? After all, did not Jesus heal the sick and miraculously feed the hungry, thereby setting a pattern for Christians today?
It is true that Jesus was moved with pity when he saw people in need. Eight Bible texts mention this. Two refer to the people?s need for food (Matthew 15:32; Mark 8:2), three to their need for physical healing (Matthew 14:14; 20:34; Mark 1:41), and one to their need for comfort upon the death of loved ones. (Luke 7:13) But the other two texts refer to an even greater need. Matthew 9:36 says: "On seeing the crowds he felt pity for them, because they were skinned and thrown about like sheep without a shepherd." And Mark 6:34 reports: "He saw a great crowd, but he was moved with pity for them, because they were as sheep without a shepherd. And he started to teach them many things."
In fact, even though pity for the people prompted Jesus to care for them in a physical way, his chief interest was in offering them the spiritual help their religious leaders had failed to provide. (See Matthew, chapter 23.) Jesus was "the fine shepherd," one willing to surrender "his soul in behalf of the sheep." (John 10:11) Because he gave this preaching activity?not engaging in social work or building hospitals or running relief agencies?top priority in life, he was later able to tell Pilate: "For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth."?John 18:37.
Although Jesus bestowed upon his apostles the ability to perform miraculous good works of healing, he made no mention of this when issuing his final instructions to them before ascending into heaven. Instead, he commanded: "Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you." Obviously, then, the more important work was to "make disciples . . . baptizing them . . . teaching them."?Matthew 28:19, 20.
Why
Preaching Is So PracticalPreaching is practical because it helps people apply Bible principles. This in turn helps them avoid problems that might bring them into need. Applying Bible principles dealing with work and our attitude toward material things, for example, can help prevent poverty. (Proverbs 10:4; Ephesians 4:28; 1 Timothy 6:6-8) Or following the Bible?s advice on the use of drugs and observing its moral standard can improve our health and ensure a happier family life.
Take the example of a 35-year-old Yugoslavian, living in the Federal Republic of Germany, who admits: "At the age of 18 or 19 I was already becoming an alcoholic. At 20 I was drinking a liter of schnapps and at least a case of beer [20 bottles] a day. Three times I was hospitalized as attempts were made to cure me of my habit, but the doctors were unable to help. Although I earned DM1,300 a month, I brought scarcely any of it home for my family." It was what Jehovah?s Witnesses told him during their preaching work that developed in him a desire to have a better relationship with his Creator. "By means of prayer," he continues, "I was able to achieve what the doctors could not." We can imagine the positive effect this has had upon his family life.
To be sure, preaching will not solve every problem. Yet it is practical because it offers hope. Under God?s Kingdom every problem will be solved. Jesus will then perform miracles of a physical nature for everyone alive, not for just a few. Rather than offering temporary relief, the benefits will be lasting, in fact, everlasting. (See John 17:3.) So teaching people to exercise faith in Jesus? ransom sacrifice and its provisions will accomplish the most good in the long run.
Many religious organizations in Christendom point with pride to their "good works" of caring for the sick, the needy, and the unfortunate. But they would do better to place more emphasis on offering spiritual help, even as Jesus did. Like the religious leaders of the first century, they have failed to carry out the more important commission. They may have filled the stomachs of some poor people with literal food, but they have left their minds and hearts hungering for words of truth. (See Amos 8:11.) They may have donated money to help the needy of the nations, but they have not declared "to the nations the good news about the unfathomable riches of the Christ" or about God?s Kingdom government. (Ephesians 3:8) Their missionaries may have helped undeveloped nations to become more proficient in the use of the plow, but they have not induced them "to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears."?Isaiah 2:4.
Be Balanced in Loving Your NeighborRightfully placing primary emphasis upon spiritual help, of course, does not excuse us from offering physical help?either to individuals or to groups?when it is necessary and when we are in a position to do so. We should want to follow the example set by early Christians. (See Acts 11:27-30.) In times of real need or disaster, we should be quick to follow Paul?s advice to "work what is good toward all, but especially toward those related to us in the faith." (Galatians 6:10) To ensure accomplishing the greatest good, Jehovah?s Witnesses generally do this on a personal basis. And since Witnesses who help out in such relief actions serve without pay, administration costs are eliminated.
But while helping others in a physical way, Christians never want to lose sight of their primary obligation, preaching the good news of God?s established Kingdom. That Kingdom will soon rid the world of all sickness, poverty, and need. How gratifying to be able to assist people to gain life in a world where the word "pity" will no longer need to be used. Could you possibly love your neighbor in a way more practical than that?
-
rebel8
Blondie to the rescue...! Thanks!!
-
iiz2cool
Have in mind, too, that sometimes what may do the most good is something other than money. Jesus told his followers to "go, preach, saying, ?The kingdom of the heavens has drawn near.? . . . You received free, give free." (Matthew 10:7, 8) Similarly today, Christians realize that the time, energy, and money spent in supporting Kingdom witnessing?which improves lives and gives hope?is charitable giving of the best kind.
I wonder how many JWs would actually give some watchtowers to a hungry homeless person. At least the paper can be used to insulate their clothing in cold weather.
Walter
-
Honesty
Have in mind, too, that sometimes what may do the most good is something other than money. Jesus told his followers to "go, preach, saying, ?The kingdom of the heavens has drawn near.? . . . You received free, give free." (Matthew 10:7, 8) Similarly today, Christians realize that the time, energy, and money spent in supporting Kingdom witnessing?which improves lives and gives hope?is charitable giving of the best kind.
The borg certainly is 'improving lives' in predominately Catholic third world countries as shown by the increases. At the same time the JW's in developed countries are doing all they can to support the work financially. Let's see how long this keeps up.
-
chrissee
I was discussing a similar subject with my husband soon after the Tsunami disaster.
I have never seen or heard of anyone in the KH making donations or contributions to any organization other than the WTBS. Also, thinking back on my life as a JW, I was remembering that you never heard of anyone in the congregation doing any 'charitable' work, other than field service.
Why Preaching Is So Practical
Preaching is practical because it helps people apply Bible principles. This in turn helps them avoid problems that might bring them into need. Applying Bible principles dealing with work and our attitude toward material things, for example, can help prevent poverty. (Proverbs 10:4; Ephesians 4:28; 1 Timothy 6:6-8) Or following the Bible?s advice on the use of drugs and observing its moral standard can improve our health and ensure a happier family life.
I remember my mom quoting bible text such as these when we were out in field service and in Section 8 housing projects. (section 8 is for people who can't afford to pay rent and the city helps them with special housing)
Although I don't know of any actual articles from the WTBS that say yes or no to any certain charitable works. Just what I've have seen or rather not seen when I was ' in '.
I'm thinking now that I'm 'out' I would like to do some volunteer/charitable works that can really help someone.
-
what_Truth?
The main problem for JW's is that the most successful charities out there (By successful I mean the ones that provide the most financial benifit to their causes) are either run by churches or the UN. Some of the catholic ones, have been operating on a tried and true distribution system since long before the US was even confederated.
Most of the non-religious, non-political charities either deal with enviromental issues (i.e. the Sierra club), specific illnesses (i.e. the Heart and stroke foundation), or community efforts (i.e. the food bank). No JW who beleives that the earth is going to be miraculously tranformed into a paradise any day now is going to see the point in supporting an enviromental charity, specific illness charities are usually run very poorly and crookedly, and community efforts don't always provide tax receipts the way a check to the WBTS will. -
tijkmo
tis another unwritten rule...while they cant come out and say thou shalt not give to other charities the inference is why would you want to when you can give to wtbts...reminds me of when i was at school..we used to have lots of activities arranged for 'save the children' day. they were all voluntary but we didnt get involved cos it was worldly and anyway save the children was part of unicef..well one year the sports master decided to run a pillow fight on a log knockout competition thingy and everyone was expected to join in and pay the inclusion fee as there was not going to be any other classes that day...well i could have stayed off school but in the manner of the three hebrews i decided to go along but first i spoke to the organizer to inform him that i would be prepared to participate but i wouldnt make a donation as it was against my conscience...he was fine with it said it was no problem and respected my stance...on the day,when i was called forward for my bout he informed the whole school that i wasnt making a donation....so now as well as being a jw..lanky..ugly..in hand me down untrendy clothes..english(in a scottish school-dont even go there) i would now get the crap beaten out of me for being a mean b***.......... and then we go and join the freakin u.n. anyway...best days of our lives...tijkmo.....oh by the way...the mandatory contribution for participation which i refused to pay.....wait for it....1p............ONE PENNY
-
A Paduan
You can tell your jw debater that we preach Christ everyday, and sometimes even use words, it is only that they preach a different Christ