DinnerDialogue.com is a free service of Family Matters. Its purpose is to bring deeper and more open discussions to your family. Every weekday brings new news that opens up topics for discussion on moral, ethical and spiritual issues.

TODAY'S DIALOGUE - November 19, 2002
This page is updated weekdays by 2 pm PT.

Study finds steady fall in benevolence - WASHINGTON TIMES
Americans have given less and less of their disposable income to religious charity since the 1960s and now spend more on church buildings and staff and less on helping the needy, a new study shows.

• What is your family's philosophy of giving/tithing?
  
  
• In what areas of your life are you more generous (time, possessions, money...) When are you least likely to be generous? Do you think people view you as being more of a spender or a saver. Explain. Which do you think is better?
  
  
• If you could give someone a gift, no matter what the price, what would it be and whom would you give it to?
  
  
• Why is it so important to tithe and give? Genesis 28:22; Leviticus 27:30-33; Deuteronomy 14:22-29; 26:13-15; Malachi 3:7-12; Luke 18:9-14. Also, lookup generous and give/ing using the Bible Study Tool below for more in-depth word studies dealing with this issue.
  

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SIDE ORDERS - other news from today

A New Crusade? -
The nation's leading evangelical Christians have been thundering against Islam, both from the pulpit and on television.

Radio City Christmas is a treat -- until it decends into preachiness - Star-Telegram
But to lure spectators of all faiths (and non-faiths) with the promise of an entertaining holiday revue, and then to ambush them with Christian theology, is dated and borderline offensive, especially at a time when understanding of other cultures and beliefs is more important than ever.

Judge's Biblical Monument Is Ruled Unconstitutional - New York Times (free registration required)
Civil liberties groups accused Justice Moore of turning a courthouse into a church. But his popularity only grew. Not long ago, Justice Moore was a little-known county judge with a homemade plaque of the Ten Commandments tacked to his courtroom wall. Now he was an Alabama folk hero.

LEFTOVERS - previous dialogues

Monday - November 18, 2002

Cell Phone Users Need to Call Miss Manners

Thursday - November 14, 2002

New Cars Include Black Boxes

Wednesday - November 13, 2002

Party planning Potter protest

Monday - October 21, 2002

Cosmetic Surgery

Tuesday - October 15, 2002

This Just In: Skunks Stink

Thursday - October 10, 2002

Apparently, money can buy happiness.

Click here for more Leftovers