Differences Between Acts of love by a Christian Organization Vs a Non Christian One - Page 2

[FarmerBeth]

I think the debate is not about the original question of this thread but about the ethics of charities using the giving of material help as an opening for spreading the gospel.  I think it's a worthwhile debate, and one I have always struggled with when deciding which charities to support, so I am starting a new thread in Religious Studies.  See you there.

[Imakcerka]

Well... going back the blatant advertising of red cross... what other organization will track down military members for their families?  In every situation where something has gone wrong they are always there.  Generally the first responders.  I don't consider them a charity anymore.  I consider them to be a welcome sign to most.  You're in peril, you see the red cross has a tent up that's where you go. 

As far as other charities with strings attached, well they could reach more people without it.  When I lived in Monterey and I was still involved in church, we would set out once a month to deliver clothes and packs of food.  We then would hand out a flier that stated you could if you wanted come to our church on these nights for a shower, food a place to sleep and some spiritual uplifting if you needed it.  However the kitchen and sleeping area was away from the rest of the church and if they didn't feel led to go in and  listen then they didn't.  They were never prodded or pushed into it.   

I have seen situations where in order to get a pack of food you had to submit to prayer and a good look at your life choices.  WTH?!  Couldn't someone just be down on their luck that month?  Couldn't they just need a little extra to get by?  Does it really mean they are not right with god because they lost their job? 

Interesting thread.

[FarmerBeth]

Originally Posted by Imakcerka 

Well... going back the blatant advertising of red cross... what other organization will track down military members for their families?  In every situation where something has gone wrong they are always there.  Generally the first responders.  I don't consider them a charity anymore.  I consider them to be a welcome sign to most.  You're in peril, you see the red cross has a tent up that's where you go. 

As far as other charities with strings attached, well they could reach more people without it.  When I lived in Monterey and I was still involved in church, we would set out once a month to deliver clothes and packs of food.  We then would hand out a flier that stated you could if you wanted come to our church on these nights for a shower, food a place to sleep and some spiritual uplifting if you needed it.  However the kitchen and sleeping area was away from the rest of the church and if they didn't feel led to go in and  listen then they didn't.  They were never prodded or pushed into it.   

I have seen situations where in order to get a pack of food you had to submit to prayer and a good look at your life choices.  WTH?!  Couldn't someone just be down on their luck that month?  Couldn't they just need a little extra to get by?  Does it really mean they are not right with god because they lost their job? 

Interesting thread.

I agree about the Red Cross, actually DH and I discussed his view later, and he was on the same page.  I also think they need the advertizing for their safety.  Our Canadian Forces are pretty quick to define themselves on peacekeeping missions, too, and for good reasons.

I think it's just right to help people, and seeing a good example can lead people to church all on it's own, with no strings attached.  I have the thread about the strings attached issue posted in Religious Studies right now, so that people can be OK with debating without the "support forum" issue.