Can I tithe to a Christian charity or just a church?

Question

I am a Christian and want to start tithing. Problem is, I feel drawn to tithe (at least for now) to a Christian based organization. I don't really have a church I want to donate to. Is donating to this organization still in line with the Bible, or do I have to tithe to a church?

Answer 1

Short answer: Tithing to a charity is COMPLETELY in line with NT teachings.

Long answer: Many Christians tithe only to a church because they've been coerced by the clergy (through greed or ignorance) into thinking they must; some are even told that God will not bless them financially unless they do. Nothing could be further from the truth.

For folks not aquainted with the concept, "tithe" means "a tenth part of." Abraham was the first documented "tither," as referenced in Genesis 14:20; however, the Bible doesn't state he ever tithed again. The Mosaic Law required Jews to give a tenth part of their increase to God's Temple. Why? So the people would become used to giving to God, instead of only taking. It served to shift their focus away from accumulating wealth only for themselves. The peoples' tithes were given to the Levites as part of their "inheritance," since the Levites didn't inherit any of the land. In turn, the Levites had to tithe a tenth part of their personal incomes. The remainder was used to maintain the Temple, purchase Temple supplies and offerings, feed the poor, and even fix roads and walls. The tithe was to be kept in the Temple's storehouse.

With the New Covenant under Jesus, Messianic Jews and Christians are not bound by the strict tithe concept. First, it would be impossible to tithe properly nowadays, because the Temple no longer exists (instead, believers are Temples for His Holy Spirit). A local church is never equated with the Temple in the NT. Second, today's clergy are NOT the same as the Levites; the Levitical system was done away with when Jesus fulfilled the Law and made us all priests.

Instead of tithing, Christians and Messianic Jews are expected to use their money, time and other resources to further God's purpose. We are expected to give to charities, support our local church, support our pastor, etc. as a replacement for the strict tenth tithe. If a believer gives ten percent, that's admirable, but it's not required. Each is required to give as he or she may prosper. If a believer is unable to give any money, but instead gives of his or her time, God recognizes that. Jesus said, "whatever you do for the least of these, you do for me." That hits the heart of the NT concept of giving to God. It's not all about money -- it's about love for Him.

Answer 2

For Christians: The "tithe" is to go to the local church. If you want to make another gift, it is called an "offering" that can go to the local church or to another charitable cause.

WHAT??? YOU MEAN I GOTTA GIVE AWAY MORE THAN 10% OF MY MONEY!

Yep. It's not your money anyway, it belongs to God. So give Him back His 10%, and then make a few other offerings to other good causes.

I dare you! (and if you're not a Christian, I dare you to give 10% to any cause you believe in just because!)

There will be Christians who say that the Tithe is no longer a requirement because it is "Old Testament" and the "New Testament" places us under Grace and not under the Law. It's an argument I've heard before, but it simply doesn't wash--the Tithe came around long before the Law, so when Christ replaced the Law with Grace, that did not include replacing the Tithe. Hmmm... think about it.

Some people will also say that clergy manipulate people into giving money to the church instead of other good causes. Well, some probably do--big deal. It's still the right thing to do and is Biblical.

Answer 3

You can tithe to any organization that you want to. Tithing is about giving from the heart.

Tithing has nothing to do with the church. It's a personal belief. And if a church says you can't be a member without giving a specific amount to the church, I would rethink my religious beliefs.

I tithe to the local community center because I am fortunate enough to have a job and I am sharing my fortune. And with any luck the money will be returned to me through further good fortune.

Answer 4

excelent question that most people surprisingly don't get. first of all, bless you for tithing. second, people you belong to a church family tithe to their church and the curch is supposed to do good works with it. donating to organizations is great. tithing is gving back to God's work, not just the church. if the organization does good works for the greater glory of God, than give. God has probably pointed your heart in that direction for a reason.

Answer 5

The idea of tithing isn't to give to the church, its to give to God what's His. It is acknowledging that what we have was given to us by God so in obedience we tithe to give back to Him what is already His. This can be done through a church or through any Christian organization that serves God and not themselves.

Tithe: A portion of one’s earnings, usually one tenth, that are given to those who perform the work of the Lord since it belongs to the Lord (Lev. 27:30-33). Those who received tithes the OT consisted of priests (Num. 18:21-32). Further OT references are Gen. 14:20; 28:22; 2 Chron. 31:5f; Mal. 3:7-12).

In the NT there is no command to tithe a tenth (since we are not under law but grace). But the tithe is mentioned in Luke 18:9-14; 1 Cor. 16:1; 2 Cor. 8).

Answer 6

You are supposed to attend a church.

You are supposed to tithe to that church.

You can give over and above your tithe to a Christian based organization.

Answer 7

It is fine.

The Catholic Church says we should give some of our tithe outside the Church as well.

There are lots of good charities (Not Planned Parenthood in my opinion) out there, but do some research!

Peace!

Answer 8

Grace unto you and peace,
from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

It's best not to feed any of the trolls; for they only use it to trouble the water, and always want more troll tolls to cross over their bridge over troubled water. As for tithing, it's old of old/new biblical things, notably the law law "put off" to "put away", as if putting away childish things to become man kind.

If you wanna start giving, give freely without regard to tax receipts, and give directly to those who need it; For many so-called Christ-ian orgs are the wrong(law) sort of charity that faileth, not the right(grace) sort of "charity never faileth".

The "grace" of our Lord Jesus Christ with you all. Amen.

Answer 9

Yes, you can tithe to a charitable organization.

Answer 10

There is a verse in the bible that basically says when you help someone in need, you help Me (meaning Jesus). I con't find it right now. The Lord can use your money anywhere you want to give it.