re: How many of you OT baws actually tithe 10% of your income to the church?

quote:

---

I've increased what I give over over the years, but with young kids in the family, 10% is very hard with the prices of goods and services today.

---

This.

Also, we own a business. Our income is all over the board month to month and it’s a fairly new business (we bought out a business) so debt service and building/maintaining cash on hand take precedence. Our “tithe” winds up being based off my W2 income only and a worst case scenario for the business…. Could be 7-8% in a bad year, or only 3-4% in a good year.

We try to make up for it signing up to teach children’s church, be an usher, bring donuts and milk for social time, etc. and throw a $100 in the plate instead of a $20 when things are going good.

quote:

---

That is why I watch the videos of the late Dr. Frank Pollard on Youtube. Probably best preacher we ever had in Jackson. One of the best ones nationwide when he was alive and was on the Baptist Hour radio for many years as well. About 8 years of his weekly sermons that were televised are on Youtube. Says more in 15-20 minutes than these preachers that go on and on for 45 minutes. Heck, he'd even recite complete Dr. Suess stories, If by Kipling, or other literary works in the middle of the sermon.

---

Ol', Frank was a good one, but he was a preacher, not a doctor.

Outdated?!?

Pretty sure the Bible sets the %…

quote:

---

Pretty sure the Bible sets the %…

---

The word "tithe" does mean "one-tenth" I believe...

I do, on gross. Plus offerings, missions, and also give to special events within the church.

Don't do it because of the church. Do it because that is what I feel is biblical. Just my take.

Imagine that 10% going into a 401K or tax-advantaged IRA/investment vehicle.

My grandmother constantly tithed, presumably 10%, for decades. When my grandfather died, the church did the absolute bare minimum. When my grandmother fell ill, still tithing despite not attending church, the church was nowhere to be found. That's the only experience I needed to know to forever swear off churches.

quote:

---

Imagine that 10% going into a 401K or tax-advantaged IRA/investment vehicle.

My grandmother constantly tithed, presumably 10%, for decades. When my grandfather died, the church did the absolute bare minimum. When my grandmother fell ill, still tithing despite not attending church, the church was nowhere to be found. That's the only experience I needed to know to forever swear off churches.

---

One has to be real about what they can do. 10% isn't not set in stone, and saving for retirement, children's education, and emergency fund matter.

It's also up to the individual to determine if the church they attend is being a good steward of the tithes they receive.

This is a highly personal decision for the individual alone.

When I worked in Germany I i self identified as an atheist for tax purposes. Basically when you fill out your tax paperwork for a new job they ask, by law, what religious affiliation you have. If its Protestant, Catholic or Jewish you will see 8-9% of your income withheld and turned over to the church. If you claim atheism, agnosticism or a small number of smaller religions, interestingly including all sects of Islam, you will owe no tax. Nearly half of all Germans claim no religious affiliation and in the process avoid that tax.

Thats all good....but the church is aware. When someone has checked the no religion box on their tax forms and needs something from their church...last rites, marriage, preaching a funeral etc. the church generally refuses service LOL. Not that it would matter because it is meaningless anyway BUT many family members are struck with the inability to use logic and are shocked to find that not one will preach at Daddy's funeral LOL....even if Daddy had attended church regularly or sporadically, if he did not pay 8-9% of his income to the church his family ain't getting no comfort.

Name

quote:

---

Mr. Misanthrope

---

quote:

---

but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

---

does not check out.

frick that. I give to the church, bums on the street, charity. That counts too. I'm not just giving to the church. I count the other "charity" as well.