I’ve been wondering if the recession is not only a reality but also an excuse for employers not hiring and charities and some churches not helping the poor.
Have consumers stopped buying gas, food and ceased paying for lodging?
Surely revenue is slowing but still flowing!
Recently, I have encountered ignorance of the less fortunate in the least likely of places, a couple of local churches.
As a low-income, single mother, when the funds, foods and fuels run low, I have no choice but to go ask for help. I will not sit and watch my children starve without fighting to hunt and gather what they need.
Silly me; I went to the wrong place a few times.
About three out of four churches turned me away. Two flat out stated that they don’t help people out and I should go somewhere else.
One told me they only help regularly attending members who “tithe.”
Many churches are built and maintained on the old mosaic law they preach; that is, that all members give 10 per cent of their gross income to the church.
Conveniently, two other teachings from the same book are omitted: to sell all your possessions and ensure the less fortunate are looked after and the tithe payment, “equipping you for every good work.”
So, I have a hang-up about “attending” a church and becoming a part of an elite crowd that collects for their club and shuts out the desperate.
They assume that they are “better” instead of “better off” and that their charitable work is done.
There is always a time to give. I may not have money, but I can give time as a volunteer, a mother and a friend.
My Bible constantly speaks of helping the poor and the needy, without strings attached, religious conditions or an economic recession as an excuse not to help. (Matthew 23:23)
Bailey Coltman
Red Deer