I know Mormons pay 10% of their income for tithing (and I understand tithe actually means 10%), but do other religions have a tithe? Is it an optional thing? I guess it's always optional, as we have a choice, but you get the point.
2006-12-22 04:07:43 · 11 answers · asked by straightup 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I don't know every single religion that does or doesn't. But you got it, Tithing comes from a latin root word that literally means 10% and even when it's expected, I can't imagine any religion ever being able to "force" it.
2006-12-22 04:16:11 · answer #1 · answered by daisyk 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
According to the Barna Group, only 1 Christian in 10 tithes. Why? Because more Christians are discovering it's not a Biblical concept for anyone under the New Covenant, Jew or gentile.
Typically, titheing is not strictly enforced by churches that teach it; however, there are a few that mercilessly enforce it, requiring copies of members' tax forms each year to ensure they've given their 10%.
Many Baptist churches still teach titheing. Most notably, Dr. Charles Stanley (past SBC President and TV evangelist/preacher) teaches it, although he doesn't absolutely require it from his parishioners. Ted Haggard also taught it ... which should say something. It's my understanding that Rick Warren (author of "The Purpose Driven Life") requires it of his church.
My non-denominational church teaches it, but doesn't try to enforce it (which is good, because I'd have to leave).
2006-12-22 12:16:25 · answer #2 · answered by Suzanne: YPA 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are a Christian, it is obligatory. Why, God requires man to give his tithe and offerings. Yes, tithe is the tenth (ten percent of your net income). Offerings comes from the abundance of your heart. But if tithe is the subject, yes, it is mandatory. Try cheating God, and withold your tithe, you'll see what happens next. But once you attend to your duty as Christians giving your tithe honestly, wait and see, if God will not open the windows of heaven and pour his blessings on you. Do not be confused, it's not optional bro., it is a Christian obligation.
2006-12-22 12:14:57 · answer #3 · answered by Code Tiger 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most Christian churches give you a pledge card for you to complete, so they know how to budget. The 10% tithe is from the Bible and it is the goal, however most people do not pledge that much. Our church has about 1000 families and only about 300 turn in a pledge card. The rest just give as they can.
2006-12-22 12:12:55 · answer #4 · answered by Suzie Q 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
In Protestant churches, tithe is encouraged but not at all necessary. It is an action of worship and faith. Faith that you can live on less than 100 cents on the dollar. No dollar amount or percentage is given, but many people go by the 10% rule if they can afford it. My family and I give $200.00 a week. This is partially because our building is being redone so the church needs extra help.
2006-12-22 12:10:56 · answer #5 · answered by L-dog =) 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I am a Christian and tithing is an important part of our teachings. I believe that all things are gifts from God and are given to us to use for His benefit and ours. God has promised us life and blessings in abundance. There are few things He requires of us - in reference to tithing He has two requirements: (a) to be good stewards of his blessings and (b) to return 10% to the store house to be used for His benefit in spreading the Good News of the Gospel.
We don't "pay" tithe. Tithing in optional, but as in all things, to be obedient to God, we tithe with a glad heart, not an obligated heart. God loves to bless us when we are obedient. It is a privilege to be able to tithe.
It is optional, but believers know the importance of obedience to God, our Loving Father, and part of that obedience is to tithe.
2006-12-22 12:16:57 · answer #6 · answered by Sandy S 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Many religions told their believers to part with a small part of what you earned.
The 'small part' varies, in middle east culture the number 40 is often used, so it's a part of 40 or 2,5 percent. In others, the number 10, so it's a part of 10 or 10 percent. If they use 100, then it's a part of 100 or 1 percent.
But it's usually up to the giver to decide on how much he/she want to give or don't give in secret.
Whatever that is collected usually goes to community use.
2006-12-22 12:56:07 · answer #7 · answered by E A C 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Titheing is not just about putting money in the plate on Sunday. It is about helping each other and those who have less than you.
2006-12-22 12:16:08 · answer #8 · answered by Jay 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
our church has a suggested percentage for giving.
after all the church needs to pay staff, make copies, buy toilet paper, pay the electric bill etc. in order to provide the services it provides to the parishoners.
i think maybe in our church it is 2.5% or something.
but they have like a minmum of $100/year or something.
but you can get out of that if you're actually unable.
thing is the church has to pay dues for each member to the national organization (which provides services to the church) and if the person doesn't at least cover their own dues and the cost of the newsletters sent to them, the church is losing money on them. and yes, we also give $$ to charitable groups, food pantries, rehab centers, drug rehab centers etc from our church. so we need extra on top of paying the light bill and stuff.
2006-12-22 12:12:30 · answer #9 · answered by BonesofaTeacher 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
JEHOVAHS WITNESSES DO NOT PASS AROUND A DISH OR ASK FOR A %. EVERYONE GIVES FROM THE HEART AND THERE IS ALWAYS PLENTY. NO ONE IN THE RELIGION GETS PAID EITHER. EVERYTING IS DONE VOLUNTARILY SO THE MONEY ONLY GOES TOWARDS THE UPKEEP OF THE BUILDING, ELECTRIC BILLS, AND PUBLISHING LITERATURE
2006-12-22 12:12:28 · answer #10 · answered by Steven Colbert 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋