WHY I OPPOSE THE UNITED FUND?

Having worked in the secular world, I am well aware of the pressure that is often brought to bear about this time of year in order to raise funds for the United Fund. It is not always easy for a Christian to stand alone, and thus it is my hope that such an article as this will be helpful to you if pressure is brought to bear (which technically, cannot be done constitutionally!).

Let it be clearly understood that I do NOT object to the United Fund because of the good it is doing. We have many people that are desperately in need of help, and it is not the help that we are objecting to! Nor am I objecting about the amount of money that is paid for publicity. I may not always think it is wisely spent, but if each fund had to conduct its own drive, obviously much money would have to be spent in overlapping ways to get the same kind of publicity this one fund is able to generate. Nor am I objecting because some of the organizations may be also charging for services in addition to what they receive from the United Fund. Considering all their expenses, I don't see how some of them are as available in emergencies as they are.

My objection to the United Fund is based upon religious convictions, a right that is guaranteed me by the Constitution of the United States of America. When I sincerely believe a religious organization to be wrong, and oppose it doctrinally, I can not be forced to support it financially (to keep my job or not can not be so used in such a case). Some people believe everyone is going to heaven, so it is not a problem for them. Others may believe the Bible teaches only one true church, but have no real convictions about what is right, so it does not bother them. But I do believe Christ set up but one church. (Mt. 16:;18; Eph. 5:25-27; 4:4-6; 1:22,23) The early Christians were known as followers of "the way," which shows they did not believe there were many roads going to heaven (See Acts 9:2; 19:9,23; 22:4, etc.). Furthermore, Paul says even if an angel preaches any other doctrine than what is revealed in the pages of the New Testament, let him be accursed. (Gal. 1:8) Jude tells us we are to contend earnestly for the faith once for all delivered. (Jd. 3) And, when it comes to fellowshipping error--either financially or in practice--we are told to have NO fellowship with error. (2 Jno. 9; Eph. 5:11; 2 Cor. 6:14-17) If we believe something to be wrong and preach against it, to then turn around and support it would indeed make us hypocrites!

And therein is the problem with the United Fund. Drawing from it are various organizations affiliated with the Catholic and Jewish religions. The Salvation Army is both a religious and benevolent organization. And while they may be doing "good," they also use such to promote their doctrinal teachings as well. Other organizations affiliated with the United Fund also use funds to support abortion (and information promoting it) and the gay rights movement, both of which I believe to be contrary to the teachings of God's word.

Supporters of the United Fund try to get around it by saying "Well, why don't you just 'ear mark' your funds for organizations you CAN support?"nHowever, in reality this is just a camouflage used to get us to go ahead. In actual distribution, NO ATTENTION is paid to such "ear markings" because it just releases other funds that were designated to that organization to go to the ones opposed. Thus the end result amounts to the same. Again, some may urge, "Why not at least give 50 cents so we can have 100% participation?" But if it is wrong, it is wrong to also contribute "just a little bit." (Jas. 2:10)

I am willing to donate "my fair share" directly to those organizations I can in good conscience help, but not in violation of my conscience by doing so through an organization which forces me to violate my conscience.

I am sorry if this does not meet their desired goals, but I feel confident most places of employment would rather have an employee who has some convictions and will stand upon them, than to be ready to violate what he believes to be right or wrong just because someone desires for him to do so.

The idea of a United Fund is indeed a good idea, but not with some of the organizations included under the present set-up. Therefore, as a Christian, I must abstain and oppose my funds being thusly used.

By Donald P. Ames via. The Jackson Drive News and Notes.

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