Posted on 02/12/2015 6:21:37 AM PST by Gamecock
When David Lee Richardson wrote a book that essentially implied tithing is a rip-off, I guess he didn’t think the consequences all the way through. Especially since the church he held a leadership position in, was none other than the Dallas, Texas mega-church, The Potter’s House, founded by public figure Bishop T.D. Jakes. Now, after being stripped of his title and told that he and his family are no longer welcome at the church, Richardson has filed a lawsuit.
The church has a congregational attendance rate of 17,000 and is home to familiar names like Sheryl Brady, Joby Brady, and Mark Jeffries.
Richardson’s book, “Sunday Morning Stickup: What Your Pastor Doesn’t Want You To Know About Tithes,” – yep, that’s the title, is a self-published work.
Richardson took to Collin County Court on Jan. 27 in order to sue The Potter’s House. He claims that his book, published in March of 2013, made no specific references to The Potter’s House or any of the church officials.
Richardson, who says he held a position of leadership at the church and primarily attended the north campus in Parker, says he was summoned to a meeting with two of the church pastors after posting the cover of his manuscript on his Facebook page.
“Plaintiff was advised that he was being asked to resign as a leader in the church and was officially stripped of his ordination license which he held for more than 20 years,” the court complaint stated.
“Defendant Pastor Brady expressed to plaintiff that she had no respect for him due to him writing the book. She went on to express that she makes no promises that she would read the book and she also expressed that leadership’s decision was based on the cover.
“Plaintiff was advised that defendant, Sheryl Brady, had spoken with T.D. Jakes prior to the meeting and was asked if she could strip plaintiff of his license and T.D. Jakes told her ‘yes.’”
Though Richardson’s membership to The Potter’s House was not revoked, he was not allowed to hold a leadership position, and could only attend under certain conditions.
“Jeffries told plaintiff that if plaintiff continued to attend church at The Potter’s House North, plaintiff would have to sit in the back if plaintiff sat in the middle section of the sanctuary,” the complaint stated. “Jeffries also pointed out a pillar to plaintiff and let plaintiff know that if plaintiff sat on the right side of the sanctuary, plaintiff would have to sit ten rows behind the indicated pillar.”
Richardson claims that on one occasion, on Jan. 27, 2013, he and his children were physically escorted out of the service by four police officers. The incident was a source of embarrassment and grief for him and his children.
“Once outside, plaintiff was told that earlier in the week the decision had been made to revoke his membership and he was no longer welcome at the church and if he returned he would be arrested for criminal trespass,” the document read.
Richardson is seeking punitive damages for negligence, conspiracy, aiding and abetting, assault, battery, defamation and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Yes. That’s why I used it. :-)
There is also the sabgath and a LOT of rules that Jews are to obey. But as Christians, we don’t tithe. We give. And the left hand is not to know what the right hand is doing.
I have gotten in the habbit of putting my offering in the plate before they hit the aisles. When they hand me the plate I got nothin’.
I like the scene in Flywheel (or one of those movies) where they are in church and the husband puts an empty offering envelope in the plate. ;-)
Is it a Protestant/Evangelical cult ?
WHERE did you go to church? I have been in church for 40 years in several different states and in different denominations, and I have NEVER heard of that. I would have run from that “church” as fast as possible!
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It exists. Perhaps it was best that it happened in the Episcopal Church first, because with their worldly view I would have been compelled to leave anyway.
But every Church I visited for several years thereafter, seemed to be obsessed with money and feel good sermons. I just quit looking.
Although, the elderly lady I mentioned? The Church I have attended with her seemed filled with the Spirit and with those seeking God and praising God. I was really enjoying the Adult Sunday School classes.
The opening prayer and reflection was given by a wonderful man who often brought up world events and encouraged us to discuss them through the eyes of the Christian.
I was very close to joining her Church, but one day as we rode together and I mentioned how I was looking forward to “Bob’s” reflection, she informed me that he had been admonished for bringing up certain subjects as they “might offend a visitor”.
Oh well.
No, it's the Pharisees that aren't mentioned in a positive way, not tithing.
Luke 11:42 - But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
Jesus is saying that the Pharisees are, once again, obeying the letter of the law in giving a tenth of even their herbs and spices, but missing the big picture. He goes on to say that they should be doing both, giving their tithe while not forgetting the love of God. Sounds to me like Jesus supported tithing.
Yep. My take, exactly.
They were all over the letter of the law, like modern Muslims.
By the way, he did not say they “should be” doing both. He said they “should have been” doing both. Past tense.
In the new covenant the whole thing changed. Tithing is an old testament teaching. The new testament talks of giving. The two are related concepts but different.
Jews lived in a theocracy within the government of whatever country they lived in. This theocracy is Judaism. I compare “tithing” to paying income tax to the theocracy.
But as Christians we give to the poor, widows and orphans. And Paul made it clear that pastors and teachers should be paid for their work, though he refused so as to be above reproach.
“and can bless him so that he can give.”
I believe Jesus said that true believers would suffer for their faith. They would “pick up their cross and follow Him”.
2 Corinthians 9:7 - Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, [so let him give]; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
We should recognize that 100%, not 10%, of what we have is God's. So, ultimately, what you give should be whatever you are commanded by God to give.
However, just because something is an Old Testament teaching, doesn't mean it isn't applicable to today. Since the tithe was to provide for the livelihood of the priests, I think we should do the same for our churches today. I look at the tithe as the portion I give to support my local church that I attend. Anything above that amount that I give to the church or other charities is an offering.
My fear is that some use the 'Well, that's Old Testament teaching' as justification for ignoring God's New Testament teaching to give.
We should recognize that 100%, not 10%, of what we have is God’s. So, ultimately, what you give should be whatever you are commanded by God to give.
That is precisely the point I was trying to make.
Yes, He did. You seem to think the two concepts are incompatible. If that is true, why did He also tell the parable of the talents? That parable clearly says that some will be given much, but those that receive much will have much more required of them.
I don't believe in the "health, wealth and prosperity" message - that if you just give to God (or the church) that you will automatically be blessed with riches and good health, etc. But I do believe in the principle of sowing and reaping - that if you honor God in all areas of your life INCLUDING in your finances, He will bless you. That blessing may be spiritual, it may be financial, it may be physical - it all depends upon what God's plan is for your life.
In the same manner that God's blessing can take many forms, so can suffering for Christ - it may be poverty, sickness or physical harm, or even emotional and spiritual attacks.
Jesus never said no one could be rich, nor did He promise that His followers would become rich. He just said it was hard for a rich man to get into heaven - not because the man was rich, but because he loved his money more than he loved God. The attitude many people have about giving proves His point...
However, just because something is an Old Testament teaching, doesn’t mean it isn’t applicable to today. Since the tithe was to provide for the livelihood of the priests, I think we should do the same for our churches today.
I honesly think God was “teaching” them to be civilized.
Believers are not under the Law, we have freedom in Christ - all the restraints have been removed so we serve in Love, not compulsion.
I tithe, give offerings and as directed because I love God and appreciate everything He has done (and is still doing) for me. About 8 years ago during very tight financial times, I started tithing 10% of my gross and have rarely come up short since. I now give offerings above that often. That’s not bragging on me, but on my Heavenly Father, whose Word you can absolutely trust. I know many others who have similar stories. Don’t start without first getting His Word on this issue firmly planted in your spirit. I made that mistake myself. Don’t base your giving on the results of another - good or bad. Be cheerful, praise and worship Him with each gift, and when you receive His promised blessings in return. Put your faith in God, and His Word, not man, religion, or money. (Deuteronomy 8:1-20, 28:1-14, Joshua 1:8-9, Psalm 23, Malachi 3:10-12, Luke 6:38, 2 Corinthians 9 - and many others)
Its not about the amount, its about your heart. I went for years just tipping God, expecting nothing in return and receiving exactly what I believed. I ended up out of work and near bankruptcy. You get God involved in your money, career, health etc., and you will see a transformation. Take Him at His Word and watch His Blessing place you in a position so He can use you to Bless others.
Having said this, there are those in the pulpit and pews, that abuse and misunderstand the message. That does not undermine the Spiritual Truth - let God be true, and every man a liar. God’s Word can absolutely be trusted. Like many things in the world, money is just a tool. Its how you use it that matters. As long as you remember that God is your source, keep your faith and love in Him and not money, you will do well.
Meh, not impressed.
Check out their "Belief Statement:" There is one God, Creator of all things, infinitely perfect, and eternally existing in three manifestations: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Source.
When you start using terms like "manifestation" you are teetering on, or already in, the modalist camp. I may be wrong.
I’m with you KC. And it’s only going to get worse. I also “belong” to no formal organized “church”.
Still waiting for the Protestant/Evangelical Union to declare Pentecostalism a cult ...
Oneness Pentecostalism, because they deny the Trinity, is a heresy.
We’ve all agreed on that in the past. Where have you been?
Have they posted here promoting their religion? Point out the poster or thread. Let's see what they are saying. I must have missed it.
When I read through the Old Testament and see the ways in which God chose to reveal Himself during that time to His people, and sometimes have a hard time understanding why He did certain things and gave certain commandments, I often come back to your reason right there.
Was there a recorded vote ?
Which verse in the scriptures was the basis for declaring Pentecostalism a heresy ? Or was a Catholic Church Council ruling used ?
I notice TD Jakes resume lists his occupation as an Apostle and Bishop, while that of his wife is pastor. Do any other family members collect salaries ?
I’m with you KC. And it’s only going to get worse. I also “belong” to no formal organized “church”.
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I too fear the formalized, organization known as Church is heading down the wrong road CB.
Simplified, Old Testament tithes were certainly intended to support the “Pastor”, and I’m all for that even in modern times. However:
. . .does he really need to live in that big house in the gated community rather than a modest home on Church grounds? (rectory)
. . . Does his wife (and children) just have to have and wear the latest and newest fashion with all accessories?
. . .What’s with that top of the line automobile?
. . .Do the ladies really need a new kitchen and parish hall for their numerous social events.. uh, fellowship meetings?
Tithes were never intended for these things.
As for offerings or tithes mentioned in the Old or New Testament, I give where God leads me to give, and I’ve certainly been led to some interesting and heartfelt moments. No, I do not need a “formalized” Church to give as God commands.
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