A Religious Love of Money

 When the collection plate becomes louder than the gospel.

Here in Samoa, we are known for our faith. The saying goes:

“Sāmoa muamua le Atua”  Samoa, God first.

It’s something we say with pride, and it’s been passed down through generations. Our churches are the center of our villages, our families, and our Sunday mornings. On this tiny island, you’ll find a church on nearly every block, across from another, and another not by accident, but by design. We’ve built a culture where faith is everywhere you look.

But what happens when faith becomes tangled in money?

What does it say about our culture when putting “God first” comes at the cost of a family’s last meal?

It’s time we talk about it.

In many villages, families are expected to give large amounts of money for church obligations whether it’s a White Sunday event, a pastoral celebration, or simply a weekly collection. These expectations don’t ask whether your children have eaten that day, whether your bills are paid, or if your family is struggling. They ask for a number. A sum. A sacrifice. And too often, people give it even if it means going without.

Because we’re taught that this is faith.

That this is honor.

That this is how we show our love for God and respect for our culture.

But the truth is, there’s a dark side to this kind of religious tradition.

It confuses cultural pride with spiritual obedience.

It replaces relationship with God with reputation in the village.

And it forces people to choose between honoring their faith and feeding their families.

This was never God’s intention.

Yes, we are called to give. Yes, we are called to serve. But not out of pressure, not out of fear, and not to uphold a system that contradicts God’s word. The Bible says, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and all your mind.” It doesn’t say to give until you break. It doesn’t say to neglect your children for the sake of appearance. And it certainly doesn’t say to put culture above Christ.

We have to start asking:

Are we truly serving God, or are we serving tradition?

When the culture tells you to give beyond your means to avoid shame…

When your standing in the church depends on how much you donate…

When families are exhausted, overworked, and spiritually dry from the weight of financial demands…

Something is wrong.

It’s time we separate what is biblical from what is cultural.

It’s time we stop mixing the will of man with the Word of God.

Church should be a place of healing—not of pressure.

Faith should be about relationship—not reputation.

And giving should be from the heart—not out of fear of what others will say.

To my Samoan people: this is not about tearing down the church. It’s about calling us back to the foundation of our faith. Let us give because we love, not because we’re afraid. Let us worship because we believe, not because we feel obligated. Let us honor God with our whole hearts not just with our wallets.

Because if we truly believe “Sāmoa muamua le Atua,”

Then let’s start putting God above culture—not the other way around.