by excito-are 6 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
Matthew 10.8 speaks about the preaching work and states " you received free, give free". The society no longer charges for the magazines, but should witnesses still accept contributions from householders? Does this not conflict with the bible? Has anyone else ever discussed this with elder? What's your thoughts on this?
Excito
"you received free,give free."
A good point. Out now so can't discuss it with anyone.
Although at first it looks wrong, Jesus was actually talking about giving the message free. Logically if you provide something extra to someone and that has cost you money there is nothing wrong with charging that person what it has cost you.
What is wrong is the profit the society seems to make by receiving money from the publisher when they pick up the mags, and then money again if the householder gives a contribution.
Also some of the suggested contributions are way in excess of what it has cost the society like CDs or doluxe bibles. The cost should not be compared to industry where they have skilled workers to pay. That is where it is wrong.
Bethel workers get .20 cents an hour....no pension, no nothing.... there's the tragedy. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Giving free not only means you are not charged money; it means you don't owe the giver a thing.
Some study conductors feel like they should get a free pass when they want to treat you badly.
If you have any problem with them, it can never be worked out, because the issue will be sidestepped, and you will be labeled "ungrateful" for all they've done for you.
1 Cor. 6:9-10 What! Do you not know that unrighteous persons will not inherit God's kingdom? Do not be misled...................nor extortioners will inherit God's kingdom.
Not many publishers would truly give free - if not for the gold stars (hours they report), most would not be at your house.
Not many publishers would truly give free - if not for the gold stars (hours they report), most would not be at your house.
Good point....But in terms of finance, last time I took part in the Field Misery we were not supposed to initiate the subject of contributing. You offered the literature, placed it in their hand and paused. If they said "OK,thanks and went indoors" that was it, no contribution. If the person asked "How much is it?" you said that there was no fixed charge but they may contribute to the printing costs if they wished. You then took what they offered, placed it in a special envelope that you carried for that purpose, and donated it into the W W Fund Box at the K Hall.
In practice the number of donations were few. It is the Publishers who finance the printing by their donations..
Is that Non Biblical? I do not think so. Jesus' apostles had a money box and evidently accepted donations to keep going.
lol i'll have to remember this when I go into York Minster, which charges about £26 per head to view the whole building besides the gift shop with lots of religious books all healthful for me apparently and £4.99 upwards. Jw's are still unusual in not charging for their religious literature as religions go,
