making a living from a message?

[nPeace]

I like one's post and one's spirit.
But, I know from my personal experience, that Watch Tower magazine and other literature are not given free. Right, please?

Regards

I don't think Eyes to See would mind too much, if I answered.
In the past, JWs asked people if they would like to make a contribution to the magazine, as early as I can remember, but whether they donated or not, was not a hindrance to people receiving the literature without charge.

As early as 1881, literature of the Bible Students was being handed out free of charge near the churches—not right at the church doors but nearby so that people who were religiously inclined would receive it. Many of the Bible Students gave such literature to acquaintances or sent it out by mail. By 1903 the Watch Tower recommended that they endeavor to reach everyone by house-to-house distribution of the tracts, instead of concentrating on church attenders. Not all Bible Students did this, but many responded with real zeal. It was reported, for example, that in a number of the large cities in the United States, as well as in their suburbs for ten miles [16 km] or more in every direction, practically every house was visited. Millions upon millions of tracts, or booklets, were put out in this way. At that time most Bible Students who had a share in spreading the good news did it by some kind of free distribution of tracts and other literature.

 

[74x12]

Is it cool to make a living out of a spiritual message?

And by that I mean "make a living" not "own a private jet, a mansion, and several sports cars"

Like how Priests do? (edit: like how they make a living, not own a private jet, etc.)

Priests don't do what they do for free

What do people think?

I would like to make some money out of my belief system, but to me that is very much a secondary concern, I am far more bothered about sharing it with people

What do people think?

It's cool yes as a means to live by as one shares the gospel. Some people choose to make no money from their work which is also good. But that also means you must have a job so you have less time to devote to your actual ministry. So there are good and bad for both methods.

If you live off your ministry then you have more time for your ministry which is a good thing. However, on the other hand if you refuse all money for your ministry; then you'll receive extra reward in heaven because you gave freely. Also it let's people know how much you care that you do it for free. So both ways are good. Ministers should pray to God to find out which way is best for them personally.

 

[Eyes to See]

I like one's post and one's spirit.
But, I know from my personal experience, that Watch Tower magazine and other literature are not given free. Right, please?

Regards

Yep, 100% free.

Back when I was a kid we would ask for a contribution of like 10 cents for the magazine to cover the cost, or $1 for a book. But that was done away with, I believe in 1989 or 1990.

 

[Eddi]

I think:

“…. If he asks for money, he is a false prophet….”
Didache. The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles (translation Roberts-Donaldson).

And also:

…Freely you received, so freely give.
Matt. 10:8

But, funnily that also means, if Christian think someone does good job, they are free to give gifts for that person, if they want, and it may happen so that the person gets lot of things.

Just to clarify: I don't ask for money in exchange for what I say, I would never ask money for it

But I would accept money in exchange for other things in order to survive

But I don't need the money as I'm on a very modest income that meets my needs

So it's not really an issue at the moment

Ideally I'd like a "proper" job, and would independently support myself on that whilst doing religious stuff on the side

 

[stvdv]

I would like to make some money out of my belief system, but to me that is very much a secondary concern, I am far more bothered about sharing it with people

What do people think?

IMHO (meaning it's my opinion and does NOT apply to you; if God tells me it's only meant for me):

That is a totally understandable thought you have, because we are brainwashed in the West to depend upon ourselves, money and security and we never learned to 100% trust God to provide for all our needs. And you are already 1 step in the right direction, excluding private jets

That said,

I could not do it, because my Master has been abundantly clear to us saying something like (so not the exact quote) "you humans have totally no faith in God nor yourself, even birds have more faith than you have, when they land high up in the tree on a small branch and have confidence not to tumble down, if you just would have as much confidence as these birds then you would know that IF you surrender to God fully, that God will take care of all your needs; all it takes is faith and that you surrender totally.

And I never want you to collect even 1 rupee (1 dollar is ca. 80 rupees) in the name of God; what are you, are you beggars in God's Name, shame on you. God does not need nice prayer houses".

Note: @Eddi, the last part only is for the followers of my Master of course, you are still free to go as you want, until Jesus tells you otherwise

 

[stvdv]

What do people think?

Better don't ask too much. The less you know, the less you can do wrong. And IF God really wants it, He will tell you Himself
God is very much capable of taking care of stuff that He deems essential, especially when you put your whole life in His hands

 

[nPeace]

Yep, 100% free.

Back when I was a kid we would ask for a contribution of like 10 cents for the magazine to cover the cost, or $1 for a book. But that was done away with, I believe in 1989 or 1990.

Oh cool. You were raised by Witness parents? Great!

I remember when we asked for a donation, some of us evidently misunderstood that the literature was free, and that might have caused a stumbling, because if the householder did not have any coppers, some publishers proceeded to take the magazine back.
Some of us didn't understand apparently, so it was confusing to householder, when we tried explaining that the literature was free, but we were inviting persons to make donations.

In later times when it was more clear to publisher, and we were encouraged to explain that they were free to donate to the worldwide work, which help with the printing of the literature, things went better, for both the publisher, and the householder.

Glad to see you stayed the course for all those years.
Keep running brother. We are almost there.

 

[nPeace]

IMHO (meaning it's my opinion and does NOT apply to you; if God tells me it's only meant for me):

That is a totally understandable thought you have, because we are brainwashed in the West to depend upon ourselves, money and security and we never learned to 100% trust God to provide for all our needs. And you are already 1 step in the right direction, excluding private jets

That said,

I could not do it, because my Master has been abundantly clear to us saying something like (so not the exact quote) "you humans have totally no faith in God nor yourself, even birds have more faith than you have, when they land high up in the tree on a small branch and have confidence not to tumble down, if you just would have as much confidence as these birds then you would know that IF you surrender to God fully, that God will take care of all your needs; all it takes is faith and that you surrender totally.

And I never want you to collect even 1 rupee (1 dollar is ca. 80 rupees) in the name of God; what are you, are you beggars in God's Name, shame on you. God does not need nice prayer houses".

Note: @Eddi, the last part only is for the followers of my Master of course, you are still free to go as you want, until Jesus tells you otherwise

I like your master's words.
Reminds me of the many persons who leave their homes, to travel to a foreign land, in order to share the message with people in isolated territories... with alligator infested rivers - which they have to cross... and big snakes.
It really calls for much faith and trust in God.
No wonder Jesus regularly reminded his followers - 'Ye of little faith. Beg for more faith'.

 

[stvdv]

In the past, JWs asked people if they would like to make a contribution to the magazine, as early as I can remember, but whether they donated or not, was not a hindrance to people receiving the literature without charge.

Yes, that is 1 of the very positive points of JWs, they never asked for money if they wanted to share their material with you. And time is money nowadays, but they never asked for money when teaching about the Bible. For me, that makes them more trustworthy than preachers owning their own private jet(s) to move around; so I liked it that @Eddi said he was not planning to do this

 

[Eddi]

For me, that makes them more trustworthy than preachers owning their own private jet(s) to move around; so I liked it that @Eddi said he was not planning to do this

I don't need a private jet

I have a free bus pass

 

[stvdv]

I like your master's words.
Reminds me of the many persons who leave their homes, to travel to a foreign land, in order to share the message with people in isolated territories... with alligator infested rivers - which they have to cross... and big snakes.
It really calls for much faith and trust in God.

Yes, especially IF you know that these big snakes eat even these alligators

 

[Eyes to See]

Oh cool. You were raised by Witness parents? Great!

I remember when we asked for a donation, some of us evidently misunderstood that the literature was free, and that might have caused a stumbling, because if the householder did not have any coppers, some publishers proceeded to take the magazine back.
Some of us didn't understand apparently, so it was confusing to householder, when we tried explaining that the literature was free, but we were inviting persons to make donations.

In later times when it was more clear to publisher, and we were encouraged to explain that they were free to donate to the worldwide work, which help with the printing of the literature, things went better, for both the publisher, and the householder.

Glad to see you stayed the course for all those years.
Keep running brother. We are almost there.

I remember when I was a kid whenever a CO or DO would visit the congregation my dad would always give me a $5 or $10 bill and tell me to give it to the brother, or a member of the governing body at an assembly. I still keep that pattern he taught me to this day. Just a discreet handshake with money in hand. A small donation as a little material way to say thank you for their hard work.

 

[nPeace]

I remember when I was a kid whenever a CO or DO would visit the congregation my dad would always give me a $5 or $10 bill and tell me to give it to the brother, or a member of the governing body at an assembly. I still keep that pattern he taught me to this day. Just a discreet handshake with money in hand. A small donation as a little material way to say thank you for their hard work.

Wow. You had a great dad. Was he of the anointed?

 

[Eyes to See]

Wow. You had a great dad. Was he of the anointed?

I think in my entire life you're the only person to ever ask me that. He is funny enough.

 

[nPeace]

I think in my entire life you're the only person to ever ask me that. He is funny enough.

What? seriously? Get out of here.
Based on how long you have been around, I think persons didn't ask because they be like, "Duh... Obviously."
Being that he was definitely a man that had spiritual brothers come to his home, and he raised a son having that company, and instilled those spiritual values, in him, I think everyone knew he was of the anointed. Plus they likely saw hi, take the emblems, so they humbly, and with kind consideration for him, did not ask.
Wonderful. No wonder you are a gracious brother.
Me, I wasn't raised a Witness, so from time to time some of my animal come out. But I try.

 

[TransmutingSoul]

What do people think?

I think you would have to be prepared to give everything, which includes your life, unconditionally.

Regards Tony

 

[Milton Platt]

Is it cool to make a living out of a spiritual message?

And by that I mean "make a living" not "own a private jet, a mansion, and several sports cars"

Like how Priests do? (edit: like how they make a living, not own a private jet, etc.)

Priests don't do what they do for free

What do people think?

I would like to make some money out of my belief system, but to me that is very much a secondary concern, I am far more bothered about sharing it with people

What do people think?

If people think something is of value to them, they will pay for it. The churches learned that long ago. A fool and his money will soon be parted.

 

[Twilight Hue]

Is it cool to make a living out of a spiritual message?

And by that I mean "make a living" not "own a private jet, a mansion, and several sports cars"

Like how Priests do? (edit: like how they make a living, not own a private jet, etc.)

Priests don't do what they do for free

What do people think?

I would like to make some money out of my belief system, but to me that is very much a secondary concern, I am far more bothered about sharing it with people

What do people think?

Get a catchy name like Creflo Dollar and Peter Popoff has.

 

[A Vestigial Mote]

I don't believe it is wrong or problematic to make a living at telling stories, no. However, making a living off of telling what are no better than lies for all the ability you have to evidence/demonstrate the truth of your words is another matter entirely.

 

[Vee]

Is it cool to make a living out of a spiritual message?

And by that I mean "make a living" not "own a private jet, a mansion, and several sports cars"

Like how Priests do? (edit: like how they make a living, not own a private jet, etc.)

Priests don't do what they do for free

What do people think?

I would like to make some money out of my belief system, but to me that is very much a secondary concern, I am far more bothered about sharing it with people

What do people think?

Keep in mind that the people who make a living out of their belief system, many times do it because they genuinely believe they're helping others and that can come at a great sacrifice.
Priest for example, are not allowed to be part of a couple and have a family. Some people who dedicate their life to their religion are sent to parts of the world where they didn't necessarily want to live. The income they get might not be that great either. Sometimes it's just an allowance so they can survive. Living out of a spiritual message might be very fulfilling for some people but it also comes at a great personal cost, so better think about it very well and consider all the details before making a decision.