Thoughts?
2007-10-03 14:42:47 · 16 answers · asked by Tom Cruise 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Tithing is a Mosaic Law given to the Jews in the Old Testament. Jesus fulfilled the entire Mosaic Law and gave us a New Covenant.
We are supposed to GIVE, but we aren't held to tithing. Though most Christians give even more than 10%. I think giving to a charitable cause is much better than not giving at all. I make quilts for Project Linus. But it's also important to support the fellowship you worship with.
God bless!
2007-10-03 14:52:32 · answer #1 · answered by Devoted1 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Kermit: "Tithing" is not a required act for Christians . Tithing was a commanded practice given to the agricultural based Old Testament Israelites (Jews). For the Judeo Christians of today, giving and sharing of one's resources financial or material is the usual, voluntary practice. It is not necessaritly limited to a "tithe" or tenth but can exceed that amount. Whatever, you decide to do, you can give as you are able, to any charity you want. The needs of the church are a reality too and in all reality, you are actually giving to God when you give to others in need, whether it be the poor, a needy charity, or even, your church (perhaps divided among all three - choice is yours). "Giving" is solely, between you and God.
2007-10-03 15:01:10 · answer #2 · answered by guraqt2me 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the "charity" is doing the work of God...not even necessarily in his name but if the work is consistent with his instructions to us then I don't have a problem with tithing to a charity instead of a church. When I wasn't involved with a church, I gave my tithes to K-Love (listener supported Christian radio), funds to support the widows and children of police officers and firemen killed in the line of duty, orphanages, homeless shelters, things like that.
In the days when God told his people to give their tithes to the temple priests, they represented the only charity in existence. The priests were responsible for feeding widows and orphans and helping other people that needed it. That's what they used (or at least what they were supposed to us) tithes to do. Now many different organizations help people in need...giving to one (or more) of those charities accomplishes the same purposes so in my mind, it is the same as tithing to a church.
2007-10-03 14:58:53 · answer #3 · answered by KAL 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
God asks us to tithe to our local church, not to a charity. Support the charity as well if you want. Or ask if the church can make donations to the charity you are thinking about
2007-10-03 15:09:08 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
i agree....
.deut 14:22-26... the person ate the tithe before the Lord....he did not give it to a church or priest... it was communion time with God...it did not pay for buildings, salaries, cars or expensive clothes.
deut 14:28-29...every third year....( or today 30% of yearly tithe) would go to the poor, widow, and orphan....the levite was including here also because he was also poor...he did not own a home, or property or transportation or land...he stayed in the temple area and lived off occasional offerings, just like the rest of the poor.
also, it was commanded in deut 15: 7-8, 11 to give to the poor always...freely....even if it is not the third year yet.
2007-10-03 14:59:28 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think any giving to a charity would be considered an "offering" where your "tithe" of 10% should be given to the ministry where you are being fed by the word of God.
2007-10-03 14:46:37 · answer #6 · answered by ? 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
"Virtually all preachers want members to tithe 10% of their income to that church" What a blanket generalization! Not all churches expect this. My church says, give what you can when you can...and they never ask for proof of income.... Even in countries where they have church taxes (like Sweden) the tithe is only about 1%.
2016-04-07 02:46:09 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that it is okay as long as the charity is promoting the word of God. Your tithes are only as good as the receivers increase of numbers in heaven.
2007-10-03 14:49:44 · answer #8 · answered by T W 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I do it all the time. Granted I am no longer a Christian, but I did it even when I was.
I also but the majority of gifts I give from charity websites such as Save the Children, Save Darfur , Join (RED), and St Jude's Children's Research Center. I always find great gifts for everyone on my list and the profits go to a great cause.
Hope this helps!
2007-10-03 14:47:25 · answer #9 · answered by Pangloss (Ancora Imparo) AFA 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
It's better than paying taxes and having 50% go to the military. Self direct your charity - giving is giving.
2007-10-03 14:48:56 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋