tithing
By aries_0325
@aries_0325 (3060)
Philippines
April 25, 2007 12:34am CST
This is not really a question, but a statement. A question was asked about tithing, and how this couple was reprimanded for not paying such money. I disagree with the answer to the question. Yes, I do believe it is important. I am a new convert to the church and was brought up that once a year you pay 10% of your annual income to the church. But in my case, I do not have the luxury of being able to pay. I am a single parent with a limited income. I go to church to hear the gospel, to learn, and to enjoy. I do not go to church to be reprimanded that I have another 'bill' that is not paid. I don't think it was fair for this couple to have gone through this. If I went through this, this would have turned me off from going back to church. When I get into a situation to pay, I will. I also think it really isn't the Bishop's business to know the status of everyone's financial aspect of their lives UNLESS the person involved decides they should know.
1 response
@CherBear04 (483)
• United States
14 Mar 08
I agree with you. Tithing is not necessary.
Since you said Bishop I am assuming you are Catholic/Epsicopalian?
Most like to refer to Malachi 3:8 to support their selfish desires, however, it's not the case.
Malachi is part of the Old Testament, which is part of the Mosaic covenant. Many people who tithe feel guilty upon reading that they are stealing from God if they do not tithe.
However, only certain people were required to tithe, and they were to tithe ONLY to Levite Priests. There are no Levite Priests today, so there should be no "tithe".
Christ came to put a New Covenant in order, and in that he said to Give Cheerfully as your heart leads you. This means when you are willing and able to give, then you give. If you are going to hand over your money with a grudge then God doesn't want it, because it is not done cheerfully. There is no set amount that you should be giving, and most pastors/priests know this and call it 'tithing' and try to guilt you into it anyways.
