Jesus invited his followers to give up their worldly posessions and he would provide for them. it was not manditory
AFAIK, it was an invitation that if taken voluntarily promised great spiritual returns.
I can't think of a single instance where Jesus required anyone to put their wealth in a collection basket. he did suggest they give up earthly items, in fact I think he said something like "it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle that for a rich man to enter the kingdom of god", and something about "you can't worship money and god too".
But, it was all voluntary. No one was forced to follow Jesus. Poeople followed him because they wanted to. I remember reading something about Jesus suggesting that we give anonimously, doing it because it was in our hearts, not because we are forced to or because we want recognition.
I don't remember the exact words but he said something like those who give for recognition have recieved all the reward coming to them but those who give quietly from the heart will receive the kingdom of god. I probably butchered that all up but the idea is there.
People should take care of each other, but they should do it because it's the right thing to do. Not because the government has decided that they have to or are to greedy to do the right thing.
The bible suggests over and over that we should tythe, or set aside 1/10th of our wealth for god's work. I interpret that to mean charity and to spread the word.
I admit I don't give 10% of my wealth to the church but if you took into account the money that I donate and also pay in taxes to support others, it all adds up to way more than 10%.
I know people who don't normally give to charities because they feel they already pay too much taxes. fine. Maybe they are selfish, maybe they are greedy, or maybe they are right?
People on this board are always talking about the separation of church and state, but the government is mandating it does the work of the church. IMO that is oversteppnig the limits and it is non-productive.
We should help people up so they can stand on their own. Not provide for them so they don't have to stand at all.