Is a tithe still "a tithe" if you offer the money to charity vs. a church?

Question

Is a tithe still "a tithe" if you offer the money to charity vs. a church?

Answer 1

Depends on your perception of the term.

At the most basic level, a tithe is a gift of 10% of your resources to support "good deeds" done by others. This definition is broad enough to allow tithing to virtually any charity that has as its goal, helping people in need. (oops, should have included animals in this earlier...animal rescue is certainly a good deed!).

A narrower definition would have the tithe going to support God's mission. This would also allow tithing to a charity instead of a church if that charity performed its work in the name of God. There are many "God-centered" charities that aren't affiliated with a specific "church".

The narrowest definition requires that the tithe be used to support priests and others in doing the work of the church. I don't subscribe to this one but if you choose to follow a religion that does, you need to follow the rules or change religions! Personally, I think God cares most about the act of giving not the recipient of that gift...but he also made it pretty clear that when you choose to accept a set of rules, you're obligated to follow all of them.

Answer 2

A tithe is 10% of whatever income you get, if all you're getting is $900 just give $90. I personally don't give exactly 10% though I would like to (not detailing reasons here). Paying tithe is not about the church. It speaks of the heart of the giver (1. Are you obedient to God? 2. Will you put God first in everything - including your finances?). The giver is always blessed more than what he or she gives because God always honors those that are obedient to His Word. The church has to perform it's God-given mandate, "Go into all the world and preach the Gospel." That is not going to happen if everyone is busy holding unto their cash and thinking the church doesn't need the money.

Answer 3

The church are very rich, they live and dress like Umpires, They mostly say, they give the tithe to the people they need it but we have never met some one confirms he received help or support from the Church.
OK, by giving the tithe to charity organizations i.e. Orphans, medical disable cases, poor people supporter, you know for sure you help some body whom directly benefits from the tithe, you can see the out come and reflection. Beside, the charity organizations are managed by trustful people, audited by the Government with clear book keeping and accountability. Who dare to audits the church?
God is great, wants you to see the good results of you being help-full to others whom really in great need... Orphan and people need money for treatment / surgery are the best way to spend your tithe. Let me pay respect to you for trying to understand.
Mike

Answer 4

A tithe was never based on "money" or wages. A tithe was the tenth of the increase of produce and livestock.

Tithing is not a part of the New Covenant. Giving to a church is not giving to God. Better to give to the poor than to give to a church.

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Answer 5

This is a difficult issue to discern Biblically because the Bible does not mention “special offerings” for Christian causes or para-church Christian ministries. The Bible simply tells us to give to the Lord (1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 9:7). Yes, most definitely we should be giving to the church we attend, serve at, and worship in! If a Christian believes the Lord is leading him to give 10%, does that entire 10% have to go to the church, or can it be split between the church and other Christian purposes? Sadly, the answer to this question usually breaks down based on to whom it is being asked. Churches / pastors will usually teach that the full 10% should go to the church, and any other Christian giving above and beyond the 10%. Christian ministries / causes usually teach that the 10% figure for giving can be divided between churches and ministries – according to the Lord’s leading.

Answer 6

Yes, it is better to give to charities, food-banks, homeless shelters and many other fine organizations outside of the "church". By donating to these types of organizations you yourself are being a Good Samaritan. You are only supporting your brethren in church when you tithe to it.

Answer 7

Charity begins at home. My college age grandson needed a computer for college--badly, and I took money to get him one. A recently widowed woman needed money to feed her children, and I helped. My synagogue sent money to help the people of Darfur. I gave to this. There are so many ways that we can help, and not give directly to a religious organization. It all counts the same.

Not all religions expect the same amount of money to be given.

Answer 8

The tithe (ten percent) should go to your home church. Any donations above the tithe can go to other ministries.

Answer 9

If the charity you are giving to is one that helps others in a Christian way. Like if you give to a Christian orphanage, or a place that sends missionaries out, or prints Bibles to give away, etc.

Answer 10

Sure, I mean as long as its going to a cause such as helping the poor, by feeding clothing them, offering help in the necissities of life, than it is just as christian as giving to a church.