Quora Questions on Christianity

We put people’s questions on Quora through ChatGPT and these are the results.

Question 1: What happens when you give 10 percent of your money to the church?

Giving ten percent of one’s income to the church, also known as tithing, is a practice that many Christians engage in. This tradition is rooted in several Bible passages, notably in the book of Malachi (Malachi 3:10) where it is suggested that believers should bring the “whole tithe into the storehouse”.

The act of tithing serves multiple purposes:

1. Support for the Church: These funds are typically used to maintain the church’s operations, including clergy salaries, building maintenance, and community outreach programs.
2. Expression of Gratitude and Worship: Tithing is seen as a way of acknowledging that all that we have comes from God. It’s a tangible expression of gratitude and trust in God’s provision.
3. Fostering Generosity and Selflessness: Regular tithing helps cultivate a generous spirit and moves us away from materialism and self-centeredness. It’s a practical way to put the needs of others before our own.
4. Blessing and Abundance: Some Christians believe in the principle that when they give generously, they open up room for blessings to flow into their lives. However, this shouldn’t be misunderstood as a “prosperity gospel” which asserts that God materially blesses those who tithe with wealth and health, a concept that has been critiqued within Christian communities.

Remember, the New Testament doesn’t prescribe a specific amount to give, but emphasizes the heart behind the giving — cheerful, sacrificial, and out of love for God and neighbor (2 Corinthians 9:7).

Question 2: What does the book of James say about being righteous before God without works or deeds? Does this contradict what is said in Romans chapter four verse three about being justified by faith apart from works of law?

The relationship between faith and works in the New Testament, particularly in the books of James and Romans, has been a topic of discussion among theologians for centuries. The key to understanding this is to recognize the slightly different perspectives and audiences of James and Paul (the author of Romans).

In Romans 4:3, Paul is quoting Genesis 15:6: “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” Paul’s focus in Romans (and in much of his other writings) is that justification comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not through adherence to the Jewish Law. This was especially pertinent for Paul’s audience who were likely grappling with the transition from Judaism to Christianity and the implications on law observance.

James, on the other hand, in James 2:14–26, is dealing with a different issue. He is addressing people who professed faith but had no accompanying works to show for it. For James, if faith does not result in a transformed life (demonstrated by “works”), it is not genuine faith. James 2:17 says, “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”

There’s no contradiction when you understand the context and emphasis of each author. Paul is emphasizing that we can’t earn our salvation by works of the law, it is by faith we are justified before God. James, affirming the necessity of faith, is saying that genuine faith naturally results in good works.

Essentially, Paul is addressing the root (faith leading to justification) and James is addressing the fruit (faith leading to good works).

Question 3. What does the Bible say about obedience and faithfulness?

The Bible has much to say about both obedience and faithfulness.

Obedience is a significant theme throughout the Bible. In the Old Testament, obedience to God’s laws was paramount. For example, Deuteronomy 28 discusses blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. In the New Testament, obedience is not about adherence to a set of laws but about following the teachings and commands of Jesus Christ. In John 14:15, Jesus says, “If you love me, keep my commands.”

Faithfulness, on the other hand, is often discussed in terms of steadfastness, loyalty, and trustworthiness. In the Old Testament, God is often described as faithful (Deuteronomy 7:9). In the New Testament, faithfulness is part of the “fruit of the Spirit” listed in Galatians 5:22–23, traits that characterize those who are led by the Holy Spirit.

Obedience and faithfulness are closely related. Obedience is the outward expression of faith in God, demonstrating our love for Him. Faithfulness, in turn, reflects the state of our hearts — our trust and belief in God’s goodness, promises, and steadfast love.

It’s important to note that obedience and faithfulness are responses to God’s grace, not a means to earn salvation. Salvation is a free gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8–9).

We will continue to update this post when we answer more questions from Quora. Feel free to ask your own questions as comments to this post.