Ask Father Rudy: Faith, Tithing, & Reading the Bible

I'm posting four more answers to your questions for our THIRD attempt at "Ask Father Rudy". I welcome your questions and will try to answer them for you. Feel free to ask more questions via comment, message on facebook (www.facebook.com/olgbronx), direct message on twitter (www.twitter.com/olgbronx) or e-mail olgnsgbronx@gmail.com. I can't wait to respond to the next set of questions next week Wednesday. Stay tuned! 

God Bless You Family in Christ.

Question 1:

In reference to the first question/answer, I have to ask: If God was there all along, does that mean He allows or even promotes certain conditions? For example, if someone wins an award and lives a good life, God is there. And, when someone is sick and in pain, God is there. But, some people live and some don't. Some people thrive, some just barely hang on. Out of all people, some believe, some don't and they fall on all sides. I gave money to a homeless man and he said, "God bless you!" At the same time, Warren Buffet, one of the world's richest men and an atheist, has planned to give $37 billion of his fortune to 5 charities. What is God doing in these men's lives that would allow a non-believer to experience great riches while a believer lives in despair?

Our free will allows many things in life to happen, but it does not diminish God's presence among us.  That free will allows us to control many things but not all.  If we open our will to God, He will do His thing; if we do not, we do OUR thing, and there will be something missing...an emptiness.  What you gave to the homeless man may be as equivalent to what Buffet plans to give to charity...God working in each of your lives accordingly.  Despair is also a matter of opinion, for the homeless man may be freer, at peace and happier than someone who is surrounded by material trappings and needs nothing.  Hope this helps answer your questions.

Question 2:

Tithing is not only scriptural, but it is also a test of our faith in God. Logically, if we are facing hard times, as all are in this economy, it’s difficult to see how we can give 5% of what we make to God's church and 5% to a charity; and yet, when we DO, it all comes back in one way or another as God has promised, see the following: and test God when you give back to Him from what he has given to you.The tithe was a tax levied on the nation of Israel to pay for the Temple; we know that Jesus obviated the need for a physical temple and the Holy Spirit now indwells believers as part of the new covenant. Is this widespread Catholic teaching? I ask, because I don't normally see it outside the Word of Faith, Prosperity Gospel and Seeker-Driven movements.

Since tithing is scriptural it is a Faith driven notion.  It is a teaching that only those who read scripture, believe in it can put into practice; and then await the results.  When one practices tithing, everybody benefits.

Question 3:

What is the best way to approach reading the Bible – literally or contextually?

One should never approach the Bible just literally, as there is much background, history and the human hand to contend with; not only the spiritual meaning which the Holy Spirit gives to different people who read the Word.

Question 4:

It is very difficult to stay a member of any church when the clergy isn’t modeling proper behavior (isn’t being a good role-model). Is it best to just find another church or approach the clergy to address the matter?

Generally we do not belong to a parish community because of the clergy; we belong and worship God for God.   Clergy are human, with many faults and need prayer as well.  It is not necessary to find other churches, unless we are truly uncomfortable and it hinders our faith in God.  Approaching the clergy is always an option; you may help him improve these perceptions which he gives out.
 

Ask Father Rudy: Atheism, Raising Spiritual Children, Caring & Tithing

I'm posting four more answers to your questions for our second attempt at "Ask Father Rudy". I welcome your questions and will try to answer them for you. Feel free to ask more questions via comment, message on facebook (www.facebook.com/olgbronx), direct message on twitter (www.twitter.com/olgbronx) or e-mail olgnsgbronx@gmail.com. I can't wait to respond to the next set of questions next week Wednesday. Stay tuned! 

God Bless You Family in Christ.

Question 1:

Primarily, I was (what I now realize) a church fanatic. I had read the Bible daily – Correction – memorized it. I’m now an atheist. I feel I don’t know enough to say with confidence that God doesn’t exist. My question is: Why is it that people, when things go well, praise God, but there’s no credit to God when things go wrong? God does smite.

We can only appreciate the results of "when things go wrong" after they have happened; we have grown, and can look back and realize that yes, this or that incident, problem issue happened for a reason.  Through our perseverance and faith we get through it and can realize that God was there all along.  When things are going wrong, it’s hard to praise God; yet if we have a strong faith, deep down we KNOW that God is in charge, we are not, and he WILL take care of us.  BTW:  If you feel with confidence that you cannot say that God does not exist then you are not an atheist!  Hang in there and be open to God's love for YOU.

Question 2:

Can you break down tithing responsibilities especially in these trying economic times and financial responsibilities people have in their household?

Tithing is not only scriptural, but it is also a test of our faith in God.  Logically, if we are facing hard times, as all are in this economy, it’s difficult to see how we can give 5% of what we make to God's church and 5% to a charity; and yet, when we DO, it all comes back in one way or another as God has promised, see the following: and test God when you give back to Him from what he has given to you.. 

·         Proverbs 3:9  (ESV)⁹ Honor the Lord with your wealth
    and with the first fruits of all your produce

·         Malachi 3:10¹⁰ Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.

·         2 Corinthians 9:7   ⁷ Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.   

Question 3:

How does one become an authentically caring person without burning out, being taken advantage of, or an enabler?

One becomes a caring person when one truly sees Christ in those whom He puts in our path to care for, while at the same time seeking time and caring from others ourselves.  We need to value ourselves, and care for our own needs before or better yet, while caring for others...."love God and neighbor AS you love yourself."

 Question 4:

I’m married to a non-Catholic. My partner and I are having a hard time raising coming to an agreement with how to raise our child and nurture them spiritually. My partner is a practicing Muslim, but, in general, what do you suggest as things we should reflect on to come to some sort of compromise if possible?

As a Catholic you took on the responsibility of raising your children Catholic and your husband should have been informed of this; thus baptizing your children and bringing them up in the faith.  Practically, this may be difficult, yet that is still YOUR responsibility.  Along with that, you can take whatever credences involve the law of LOVE which comes from each faith and teach your child to be loving, compassionate, and good.  If both of you are strong in each of your faiths, you will be able to do this: respecting one another and wanting the best for your child. 

Fr. Rudy