Good Thoughts on Tithing

For those of you new to Free Money Finance, I post on The Bible and Money every Sunday. Here's why.

Here's a piece from Crosswalk that offers several good thoughts on tithing. In particular, it addresses:

1. The most common reasons people cite for NOT tithing: 1) Church leaders have used verses taken out of context. 2) Pastors have abused the teaching of the tithe to manipulate people to give. 3) The practice of a weekly collection is of relatively recent origin. 4) Tithing is a part of a legal system while believers are under grace. 5) Certain televangelists have used the tithe to fund their own extravagant lifestyle.

2. Jesus' teaching that tithing is a fundamental aspect of faith in Mathew 23:23.

3. A comprehensive view of stewardship -- not only money but our time and talents as well.

It's a great piece and I recommend it to both those who believe in tithing and those who don't.

As for me, I've written on the subject of tithing quite a bit including these pieces you may want to check out:

• The Purpose of Tithing

• Tithing Versus Giving Generously

• Tithe versus Offerings, What's the Right View?

• Dave Ramsey's Take on Tithing During Tough Times

• Calculating Your True Gross Pay for Tithing Purposes

• Questions about Tithing

• Tithing – A Plan for Grateful Giving

Comments

[Tarah]

I'm personally in the camp of "Cheerful Giving," which says to start out at a 10% number, and if that's too little, give more, if that number is too high, give less. When you hit a number that makes you grumble, that's too high because you're sinning even more by grudgingly giving. I believe on this site that standpoint is similar, but not the same as Generous Giving.

That being said, I think that, as Christians, we also need to look at the secular aspects of giving. There are the tax benefits, the attitude benefits (not martyring ourselves, but thinking of others), and the fact that people who give 10% or more tend to be better off than people who give less than 10% (See "Millionaire Next Door" and "Millionaire Women Next Door").

[Shaun Connell]

I think it's interesting to see what it really means to tithe. I still go to the church I've gone to with my family for years...but I don't feel comfortable giving the money directly to them. The use of the funds is a bit reckless and, oddly enough, very self-serving.

Does anyone know if it's required that we tithe directly to the church? Or can we give to another organization? I've never really looked into it.

[JimL]

Shaun,

I think you will find a large number of opinions. I think you have to give as God lead's you. Note there are areas in the Bible that give us examples of direct giving. The story of the Good Samaritan comes to mind. Additionally, the Bible specifically calls out two categories in particular that we are to help: Widow and Orphans.

[TStrump]

I set up monthly payments on my credit card to two of my favourite charities, so it always automatic.
There is no excuse for not giving to charity.
Even if tough times, we all still have so much.

[Kenny Johnson]

I believe in free-will giving, because that's what Jesus and the NT authors taught. Christians are not under the Mosaic law. If you believe we are still under the law for tithes, not do you also believe we are under the law about the clothes we wear (no mixing fabrics) or tatooing or piercings, etc?

Secondly, the OT law involved tithing agricultural product. Even the verse you cited from Matthew has nothing to do with money.

I think 10% is a good standard, but it is not a mandate and it shouldn't be taught as such.

[AdamCO]

I don't believe in god, jesus, or any of that. But I do give about 7% of my net income to various charities