Explain the idea of tithes and what is it good for?

Question

My husband and I argue about tithes, because we are struggling. Paying to an institution 10% of our little to none income. I do not know any rich people that pay tithes and if we saved what we gave we would be better off. He gives the excuse we would be steeling from god if we didn't. But how can we be steeling when god owns everything anyway? We're just borrowing everything for a short time, anyway. So what is it for besides to make some fat cat fatter?

Answer 1

I grew up Protestant and for most all my life attended Protestant Churches...with one rare exceptions pastors were more interest in what my income was and their 10% share than in my salvation. Fed up with it and looking for a good church I went with a friend to a Catholic church.... I was really impressed with it and I have been in this church for nearly 10 yrs now.... In those many yrs the Priest has never asked me how much I make, or if I tithe....Hardly ever sermons deal with money issues like in most Protestant churches. Their Church is n ot about money ...and although I have some minor issues with Scripture interpretation I am perfectly happy here... If your husband feels guilty abt tithing (the agenda of many Protestant pastors is to make church members feel that way for it's more money to them) ask him to join the Catholic Church .... (I hear Mormons are the worse when it comes to tithing arm-twisting)

Answer 2

In the US the word tithe is typically associated with Mormons, and for some reason I assume you are a member of JC_LDS. It is obvious that you and your husband are at an impasse. You are probably dealing with a core belief he has, that has been instilled from an early age. So I doubt changing it will be easy.

For me it is easy. I find the idea of organized religion to be somewhat of a scam. Personally I do not equate spirituality, or a relationship with God, to be based on attending a church, or that churches idea of how much money you should give to them. So, I don’t know what answer to give you, accept perhaps you could both attend counseling.

I also feel you thoughts on ownership, and the fact that you are “borrowing” from God, to be rather simplistic. Remember that any wealth you acquire while you are alive can be passed on to your progeny, allowing them a better chance at comfortable survival, and thereby perpetuating your genetic line.

Answer 3

Well, my family pays tithes and I know many wealthy people who are Christians who pay their tithe and much more (called offering usually). I think real financial stability starts with giving to God. He gave us 100 percent, so what is a mere 10 percent? Think about this. How much do you tip your waitress or hairdresser? Usually 15 to 20 percent. So is giving God a mere 10 percent really an issue?
Ultimately, God loves a cheerful giver. We give because we love God. If you can't do that then your giving will not bear much fruit anyway because your motive will not be one of love but of duty. The best thing though is to be obedient to God's word inspite of how you feel because you will be blessed. It's God's promise to you and to all who live on this earth.

Answer 4

Since I started tithing, I make more money than ever. If you hold tightly to your money, it is dead to you, it doesn't live. If you have faith that money can come in and go out, then releasing some brings you more. At least that's how it has worked for me. I believe that Suze Orman talks about this in one of her books. If you wait to feel rich to tithe, you will never feel rich enough. Zig Ziglar also says that people who go to church regularly make 50% more money than people who don't, so be sure to attend and let people know what you want to do in order to make money. I know that I've gotten work from people I met after services. Oh, and one other thing... if you damage your marriage from this argument, you'll be a lot poorer than the 10% tithe.

Answer 5

Glumbug--that's a good name. Tithe is a 10% gift that God commended for His people to give--as a start in showing their love and devotion to him. Yes, God does own it all--and allows us to keep most of it. But with your attitude, you would be better off keeping it all. Your husband has a problem on his hands, and you know who she is. Perhaps you could agree to disagree on this, or compromise based on the source of the income (if you make $ do not tithe on that)--maybe you could agree to do a test--see if God keeps his promises. In any case, don't be so glum.

Answer 6

I didn't know people still payed tithes. Nothing against god, but with what little income I get (it seems the same for you) i can't afford to give out 10% of what I earn.

Answer 7

Please note that this is just my personal opinion.

Tithes were a way to show your commitment to the church and its cause. Though it says give a tenth of your increase, I would give what ever you think you can afford to give to the church. If you feel that you need to give more, give your time and volunteer for the church. That is a way of giving back.

Remember the parable of a rich man who gave half his fortune to the church and a poor lady who gave everything she had (two coins) and Jesus proclaimed that she gave the more than the rich man? It's not the amount, it's the heart behind what you give.

Answer 8

GIVING AND OFFERING NEW TESTAMENT (TITHE OLD TESTAMENT) IS TO COME FROM THE HEART.
JESUS CHRIST LOVES A CHEERFUL GIVER.
IF ONE DOES NOT GIVE (MAKES SACRIFICE FOR OTHERS TO HAVE) BECAUSE OF LOVE THEN ITS USELESS TO GIVE IN RELATIONSHIP TO SALVATION.
YOU DON'T SPEAK AS IF YOU POSSESS SALVATION.

MALACHI 3:8-10
3:8 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.

3:9 Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.

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.

MORE BLESSED TO GIVE THAN RECEIVE..BUT THOSE WHO DON'T GIVE---WILL RECEIVE THE WRATH OF GOD...

HUSBAND IS RIGHT ON THIS ONE..
ITS NOT 10% NEW TESTAMENT BUT FROM THE HEART...CHEERFUL GIVER...
CAN'T GIVE 10% GIVE 2%--SOMEBOBY ELSE CAN GIVE 25%....BUT GIVE TO GOD TO RECEIVE HIS BLESSING..AND HELP HIS PEOPLE ALL OVER THE WORLD..OTHERS FAR WORSE OFF THAN YOU...

REMEMBER PARABLE OF LAZARUS AND THE RICH MAN???
WE ALL SHOULD SPARE A LITTLE..WHILE WE CAN..

Answer 9

Tithes were for the levites to live on because they could not own any thing,or have a job except to keep the temple. so the rest of the Israelites had to support them.

Answer 10

Actually, the fat cat was the priest. Otherwise you've got it straight. If your husband feels a need to support the church and you are financially strapped, maybe he can provide his skills in maintenance, grounds keeping or carpentry at no charge to save the church money.