Why do we need to give the church 10% of our earnings? I dont like 2 give away my money.?

Question

Is this one of those traditions from the 1500's that stuck with us, and now we feela moral obligation to do it, when it was originally put in place to satisfy the luxuries of the church back then. 1 thing, I think the catholic church has the biggest bank account ever in the world. Do we really need to stress our financial situation to make them richer, when they can play all of thier needs just of the intrest of thier huge ginormous bank account. And for those little christian churches, Those are freakin crazy I think, ive been to them, They are all about technology, with the best projection systems, sound systems. Broadcasting equipment. And then there are the bilboards, that they spend thousands on each month. Should you give 10% of your earning still or not?

Answer 1

I wouldn't. The churches don't feed and clothe my kids and pay my rent, and I have a very tight budget. I'm more than willing to share what I have with those that are truly in need -- I've never turned away a friend who needed a place to stay, a ride somewhere, or something to eat -- but I don't care if the local churches want to build more churches. When they start building homes for people who don't have them, then we'll talk.

Answer 2

No this is not a practice that dates back to the 1500's. It is a practice that dates back before 1500 BC. So it really wasnt set up to make the church richer. In fact originally a tithe was taken so that a big party could happen at the end of the year (a religious party but a party nonetheless).

The reason we still tithe today is because churches do have expenses. I have been to a lot of churches and to be honest with you some of them do misspend some of their money on foolish things, but most of the time the reason that they have things like overhead projectors, sound systems and the like are so that they can continue to do ministry in a modern world. It is so that they can in some way "entertain" people who walk in off the street, and to facilitate easier worship etc...
Should you give 10 percent. Only if you want to. Seriously, if you read in the OT and even the NT, God doesnt want your tithe unless you are willing to give it willingly. He doesnt even want it if you feel obligated. He finds that kind of giving detestible. So should you give, yes, but then again it wont get you into heaven so if you arent doing it for the right reason then no.

Answer 3

I never knew anything about tithing - there was the offering plate in my church growing up, but I never heard the word "tithing" until the 80's, when I was in my early 20's. It was the time of "new age" and I did lots of reading and learning on the subject of spirituality and that was when I first heard of tithing. The way it was presented was in a metaphysical context having to do with exchange of positive energy. The belief was that by giving or doing without for a cause or by sacrificing of oneself, or by giving anonymously, with no recognition being borne upon you, that you become open to the flow of good and that the more you put out the more is sent back to you. That being willing to face a little hardship in reverence to a higher good makes a person elevated spiritually. Ghandi and Martin Luther King spoke about the mystical transcendance that occurs when a person gives up or humbles themselves to another in service. King said the greatest among you is the one who serves you. I see all that as tied in with tithing. What I just do is when I am church I give the biggest denomination I have in my wallet so that it is something I will definitely "feel". Before I ever gave any of this any thought, I would just give my spare change. After seeing it differently I want to do some giving of myself somehow some way. I now realize that it doesn't have to be by writing out a check that is 10% of my income, although that IS the way most traditional religions present it. If I don't have much cash flow, and I volunteer my time or my resources or my talents, that to me is tithing, too. It takes time away from my family and that is a sacrifice. If the church doesn't think that's enough of a financial contribution then that's a problem with me and the church, but not between me and God.

Answer 4

There are lots of 10% references via the url below.

I don't know much about the Catholic church except that it sounds strict. I attend a United Church and am a Christian.

I tithe, but what I can afford. I know that when I get pay raises or opportunities to make money I try to increase my tithe accordingly.

It feels good to give; but when you want to and how you contribute. You might feel better if you take control of where you're allocating your tithe.

Have you considered child sponsor ship through World Vision; any foundation to help sick children; volunteering your time - a great way to meet people. These are other ways you can give back to God.

Maybe pray about it and see if something "comes to you" later.

Good luck

Answer 5

Giving 10% is tithing. Tithing is something from the BIble not something instituted by the Cathloic Church

A study of the Old Testament will show that tithing was instituted as part of the Mosaic Law to Israel. Some Christians point to Genesis 14 and/or 28. Their rationale is that because Abram gave ten per cent of the spoils of war to Melchisedek, and because Jacob chose ten per cent as the amount to give to God for watching over him on his journey, this is the prescribed amount God would have all people give.

The tithe was basically on animal and agricultural products, and was paid in kind (i.e., the product itself). If one did not wish to pay his tithe in agricultural products, and decided to give money as a substitute, he was penalized and had to add a fifth part of its estimated value to the amount he paid (Lev. 27:31). Such a law was obviously not intended to encourage payment of the tithe in money.

The main purpose of the tithe was to support the Levitical priesthood. The Levites were responsible to minister to the people, and were prohibited from owning land, which obviously limited the ways in which they could earn income. God’s plan was that their support came from those to whom they ministered, much like the direction of Scripture for the Church today (1 Cor. 9:1ff; Gal. 6:6ff, etc.). The tithe also provided welfare for widows, orphans, etc.

One reason why there was no command to tithe until the Mosaic Law was that until then there was no Tabernacle (Tent of Meeting) and no Temple, no regular sacrifices commanded (the daily sacrifices alone commanded by the Law required more than 700 animals a year), and no class of Levitical priests to support. None of these would be relevant to a Christian today, even if they did exist.

Should a Christian today tithe? One is free to give 10% if he chooses, but we are not commanded to give any particular percentage or amount. Sad to say that many Christians, once misled and often emotionally coerced into tithing, stopped giving altogether when they learned the tithe is not required. 2 Corinthians 9:6 and 7 make it clear that the more generously we “sow” with the right attitude, the more abundantly we will reap.

For some believers who do not earn much, giving generously may not mean a large amount. For others, it may mean millions of dollars, and far more than 10%. Each Christian’s situation is different, and that is why God does not prescribe specific amounts that we should give, but allows us to make our own decisions. Remember, we are “fellow laborers” with Him, and He loves to work with us in determining how much and to whom we should give, and He loves to bless us with more so that we can give more. That kind of giving makes for an exciting element of the Christian life.

Answer 6

It states in the Bible to give 10% of your income. I don't think the Church is trying to use your money for their golds and what not. The church needs tithes to spend on their building, power bill, etc.... and the reason they need that money is to keep the church running so that the Good News could still be spead. I'm guessing the technology stuff is for people to be interested on their preaching. They don't want it to be dull for their church members because they don't to lose their church members. ALso, when a church member is in need for money, the church will help that person. I try to give 10% of my income because I think its the right thing to do. I was questioning why 10%? why do I have to give money at all? Then I come to realize that its contributing to God's news. Once you start giving your 10%, you'll see all the miracously things GOd could give you and to your family. God doesn't want people to be greedy and just live for money. He wants people to be generous and live for Him. I hope that helps with your question.... If you are still wondering, then I suggest you speak with your pastor or priest....

Answer 7

It is promised that when you "give" you will get it back ten fold. That is a fact of life. You are supposed to give 10% to support your church. You WILL get it back 10 fold.

Then, you should help the needy. Whatever you give in helping the needy....you WILL get back ten fold.

Trust me. Now, don't go out with the frame of mind that IF I give $100. I will get $1000. back immediately. This is something that comes from the heart and while you may not see "money" in return, you WILL be rewarded.

I retired and knew that I would only be receiving a certain amount of money. Regardless, we did give 10% to the church and we did help people in need. All of a sudden I had money coming in from sources I never expected it to come from. My income, at this time, is as much as it was when I was working. Still we give 10% of my income NOW and help the needy. I know that isometimes it is hard....but, my friend, it WORKS!!! Pops

Answer 8

You don't have to give church 10% of your income. You are to give 10% of your income back to God. That includes donations that support the work of God. These include funding missionaries to third world countries, United way, red cross, st Vincent de Paul .There are lots of ways to give back 10 %. Local churches are not the only works of God. I think like you in that I would have a hard time giving 10% to those churches that are not good stewards with our money ie: technology, projection , things you mention.

Answer 9

WRONG the catholic church does not ask for 10% they ask for a coin donation in church on Sunday. Do not give that much money to any religon they are suppossed to help you not the other way around. If you must give do a charitable act and get another church. 10% of your earning should be in your own savings account so that you can buy a house and procreate and all that religous stuff.

Answer 10

Mal 3:10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. (King James Version)

8-11"Begin by being honest. Do honest people rob God? But you rob me day after day. "You ask, 'How have we robbed you?' "The tithe and the offering—that's how! And now you're under a curse —the whole lot of you—because you're robbing me. Bring your full tithe to the Temple treasury so there will be ample provisions in my Temple. Test me in this and see if I don't open up heaven itself to you and pour out blessings beyond your wildest dreams. For my part, I will defend you against marauders, protect your wheat fields and vegetable gardens against plunderers." The Message of God-of-the-Angel-Armies. (The Message)

As you see, it has nothing to do with "satisfying the luxuries of the church" as you say.

It is so when the people of God are in (financial) need, they can come to the "storehouse" (the church and seek aid.

Yes, some churches have probably exploited this to better themselves, but they will be taken care of when Jesus returns (see the book of Revelatins).

Yes, you should give 10% of your GROSS (before deductions) and do so cheerfully (6But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 KJV).

Thank you for reminding why I have what I have....I pray the Lord gives you all you deserve and desire as you give to Him...