Quote:
Originally Posted by jfrog
I think one fundamental difference is that you are viewing pastors as superiors to laity. I view them as equals.
Another fundamental difference is that you want to compare modern day pastors more to old testament priests. I would describe them more as Pharisees or Rabbis, NOT BECAUSE OF HYPOCRISY, but because the general consensus is that they were the religious leaders of Jesus' time. Many pharisees and Rabbis were not of the tribe of Levi and so these would not have received tithes. (If I am wrong on this please correct me).
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Neither of the bolded statements above accurately describe my beliefs.
I do not believe pastors are superior to laity. Christ is the one who is superior.
Hebrews 7 shows us how Christ is the final recipient of tithing. It says that on one hand we tithe to mortal men, but on the other hand it is to the one who lives forever.
When I talk about the superior blessing the inferior, I am speaking of Christ, not pastors.
As for comparing modern day pastors to OT priests, I see where the comparison is often made. I don't necessarily disagree with the comparison, but I see pastors more like OT prophets than priests.
Again, tithing is a principle. I'm not saying that "pastor = priest" therefore pastor gets tithe. Nope. However, I do believe tithing is how God has shown that he takes care of those who devote their lives to the ministry.
See
I Corinthians 9. Paul argued his right to receive compensation from the church for his ministry.
I believe the workman is worthy of his hire. I believe that a pastor who can be compensated fully by the church should be. Tithing is not about the preacher getting the money from the victimized laity. Tithing is how God provides for the ministry (not saying it is the only purpose, just saying that it is how provision is made on a consistent basis). It was patterned in the OT, and I haven't seen sufficient proof that the plan has ceased.
FTR, most pastors I know do not even take the full tithe. They usually take a percentage and put the rest toward something else. We have many many good men who have put their own blood, sweat, tears, and money into starting churches and building churches. They have faced hell and more to do a work for God. I believe these men should not have to face the insecurity and struggles of financial hardship if they don't have to.
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