Does anyone else think that the Christian requirement that members pay 10% of their income is ridiculous?

Question

I don't get it. Shouldn't God provide everything the church needs and thus money should be a non-issue. And if you subscribe to the notion that members should pay the 10% of their income is this revenue or net-income after taxes and expenses?

And if you lose money or are in debt, shouldn't they owe you money?

I know someone who was financially strapped, yet they kept paying the church when they didn't have any money and were on the verge of bankruptcy. They're out of the whole now, but things are still tight.

If they had held onto their money they would be much better off financially.

Answer 1

There is never any percentage given to christians. The apostle Paul said at 2 Corinthians 9; 6 "Now this I say, (N)he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.

7Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not (O)grudgingly or under compulsion, for (P)God loves a cheerful giver

The tithe was given to the Israelites to support the tabernacle, then the temple and all the priests and levites who worked hard caring for the spiritual matters for the nation.
This arrangement was not repeated with the new Christian covenant.

Jesus said at Matthew 10' 8 "Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give.

9"(Q)Do not acquire gold, or silver, or copper for your money belts,

10or a bag for your journey, or even two coats, or sandals, or a staff; for (R)the worker is worthy of his support.

11"And whatever city or village you enter, inquire who is worthy in it, and stay at his house until you leave that city.

So the diciples would accept food and hospitality , but they were not to charge for these services.

A church today needs money for expenses, such as the building, utilities, etc.. However, many fleece their flocks , with big wages for the preachers and money lavishly spent. These will reap what they sow, eventually.

Answer 2

It is not a recquirement for Jehovah's witnesses. The tithing relates to the time of the Israelites and the Mosaic law.
The Levites in the temple were cared for from these contributions which also included produce and livestock for temple service and consumption.
no such obligation in a Christian congregation is necessary for it's advanmcement. Rather the principle found in 2 Corinthinans 9 v 7 is applicable for modern day christians.
Not under compulsion.

Galatians 3 v 10 -13

Answer 3

First, there isn't a requirement to give 10%. The requirment is to tithe.

Second, God has provided everything. He created everything there is and everything you have. Tithing doesn't give God anything that isn't his.

Third, God said that we should do it.

Fourth, when we give, we are forced to prioritize things in our life, which makes things more precious and enjoyable.

Fifth, giving sacrifically makes people feel good.

Sixth, holding onto your money doesn't mean you'll be better off financially.

Have you spent any time learning the other lessons the Bible teaches about money? It is the #2 most discussed topic in the Bible after Love. And it isn't "money is bad" and "give the church 10%".

Answer 4

God does provide for everything that a church body needs. That is why he lays it upon the hearts of people to give part of what God has given them to the church or the upkeep and mission works of God.

I agree it is a small amount compared to the 100 percent that God gives us, but if we feel led, we can and do give more back to God.

Always remember that it all belongs to God anyway. He gives us according to what he wants us to do with it at any given time in our lives. If we have little, he is requiring little, if we have much, he is requiring much. It is up to us to follow his lead, not our own.

Answer 5

God provides everyone with the income they have, God asks us for 10% to help the needy, missionaries, pay the utility bills and taxes on the church. Preachers who become millionaires of the church are going to have to answer for a lot. God blesses us in many ways when we tithe to the church.

Answer 6

Jehovah's Witnesses are multimillion strong, in 256 languages, and 200+ countries, yet they do not pass the plate, hold fund raisers, take corporate donations, own retail businesses, sell books or ritualistic items, or sell high positions in the church to rich members. Brooklyn (NY) is not happy with them because they are building a new environmental residential building for those attending Bethel and Gilead, but refuse to allow retail businesses to rent first floor space to creat a retail mall along major streets.

Answer 7

Being a member at a church isn't the same thing as being a Christian. You don't have to go to church to be a Christian. You have to follow Christ to be a Christian.

Money is a man-made concept.

Answer 8

No, it is not ridiculous. There is nothing ridiculous about it. The problem is not that it is ridiculous (it's not) but that this practice is FOREIGN to New Testament Christianity. Tithing is for the people of Israel, to support the Levites and as a form of "taxation" to relief the poor. In the NT, tithing has been done away with as far as the believer is concerned. Giving is now of one's free will giving.

Answer 9

Become a Catholic. One or two dollars a week in the collection basket each week is plenty. Maybe a quarter for the second collection.

Answer 10

Sorry that is not what Christianity teaches, Christianity teaches that we give everything to God, we are no longer our own, because we have been purchased by Christ with His blood. We give all we have to Him and He gives all He has to us.