Is Tithing Money?

[gundee123]

I think the law said they could pay a financial tithe in place of livestock or goods provided it was a bit over market value (I think this was the case, but easily could be wrong on the financing aspect). But goodness, who really cares? I pitch a check into the plate hoping to keep the lights on for another month. It seems like there are much larger fish to pursue within Christianity, pun intended

Thank you for your comment. Could you please point to the scripture where it says that "they could pay a financial tithe in place of livestock or goods provided it was a bit over market value?" I think that you might be referring to the part in the bible that talks about buying back the Tithe. You asked, "who really cares?" I think that those Christians who are giving 10% of their income to the church (even though they really don't have it to give) because they believe that God requires them to do this, really cares. The original purpose of the Tithe was never to support a building, but people---according to scripture. I agree that there are many other important/relevant subjects that need to be addressed within the Christian community. However, right now, the issue is, "Is Tithing Money?" Thank you for your insightful comment and provocative question.

 

[Rudyjohn]

Sir, I agree that the items you listed cannot be paid for with grain and corn. I further agree that religious facilities, etc. rely on contributions from its members. I am also one who strongly advocate that Christians should provide monetary support for these worthy causes. However, to call this type of support tithing (old law) and to require its members to pay 10% of their income is not biblical. If churches realize that monetary collections should be made for God's people, instead of from God's people. If Christians use Jesus' teaching as a guide, then that will realize that they should Love thy neighbor as thyself. Our first priority then would not be supporting a building, salary, or programs. It would be to take care of our neighbor. Thank you for your response to my question.

I work very closely with a church, on the publicity/media end (non clergy), and I can divulge that there is no one in our church who gives 10% of their income. It's an all-inclusive organization that does not require members to pay 10% of their income; it is considered a "gift." The 10% amount is a guideline only.

I'm not particulary religious (spiritual maybe) but not well-versed in the Bible. My job is to try to get people in the church, help create programs that people want (& need) and help get the word out in the end. My job is all about making money for the church to pay for the things I mentioned in my first post. I think that falls into the category of "monetary collections should be made FOR God's people."

I am trying to understand your position in your thread. It is thought-provoking & has been for hundred's of years. Again, since I'm on the other end, it's hard for me. It ultimately all comes down to money, tithing, gifts, giving & sacrificing oneself in more ways than one.

I'm a simple person. It makes me feel good to give a gift, either to a friend or to my church, anonymously, and know good or enjoyment to others can come from it. That is taking care of my neighbor.

 

[Jdarg]

I am going to refrain from commenting on the subject of this thread, but I do want to compliment gundee123 on his/her manners. What a polite poster! :clap_1:

 

[ktschris]

In our parish Tithing is made up of the three "T's"
Time, Talent and Treasure. I am able to contribute a lot more time and talent then I am treaure

 

[Camp Creek Kid]

We pay tithing and our church teaches that a tithe is 10% of our increase. Increase means just that--an increase of our wealth in whatever way it comes, which in the modern day is usually money. However, in other parts of the world (and historically in this country) tithing is and has been paid in goods.

As for scriptural proof, go to Dueteronomy 14:22-25 (King James version). "Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year." Then it talks about tithing other goods such as corn, wine, oil, herd, and flocks. "And if the way be too long for thee, so that thou art not able to carry it; or if the place be too far from thee, which the Lord thy God shall choose to set his name there . . . Then shalt thou turn it into money, and bind up the money in thine hand, and shalt go unto the place which the Lord thy God shall choose."

Hope this helps.

 

[gundee123]

I work very closely with a church, on the publicity/media end (non clergy), and I can divulge that there is no one in our church who gives 10% of their income. It's an all-inclusive organization that does not require members to pay 10% of their income; it is considered a "gift." The 10% amount is a guideline only.

I'm not particulary religious (spiritual maybe) but not well-versed in the Bible. My job is to try to get people in the church, help create programs that people want (& need) and help get the word out in the end. My job is all about making money for the church to pay for the things I mentioned in my first post. I think that falls into the category of "monetary collections should be made FOR God's people."

I am trying to understand your position in your thread. It is thought-provoking & has been for hundred's of years. Again, since I'm on the other end, it's hard for me. It ultimately all comes down to money, tithing, gifts, giving & sacrificing oneself in more ways than one.

I'm a simple person. It makes me feel good to give a gift, either to a friend or to my church, anonymously, and know good or enjoyment to others can come from it. That is taking care of my neighbor.

Thank you for your comment. I think that you are involved in a very noble cause that is much needed in the churches today. The position that I am taking is that tithing, as it is practiced by the churches today, is not biblical, but rather man-made. However, the work that you're doing needs financial support and church members should be a source for that support. However, these members should be told that they are tithing or giving an offering. What they are really doing is called Grace giving, and this type of giving requires no percentage to be used as a guideline.

Christians should be free to give whatever they want to give according to what's in their heart (2 Cor 9:7), which include money. Unfortunately, many church members are misled into believing that God requires them to give 10% of their income to the church. Acccording to biblical scripture, He does not require us to practice this man-made tithe. Yes, I agree that money is an important comodity used today. However, money is not (nor has it ever been) a tithe. Christians do not need written rules to regulate how they should give. God's law is written in their hearts and on their minds (Heb 8:10).

While you may consider yourself to be a simple person, I think that you are helping to fullfil God's plan by helping others. I wish you the very best in your future endeavors and thank you for taking the time to respond to my question.

 

[gundee123]

I am going to refrain from commenting on the subject of this thread, but I do want to compliment gundee123 on his/her manners. What a polite poster! :clap_1:

Thank you for your kind compliment. I would very much like to know your views; however, I will respect your privacy. By the way, I am a 47 year old male.

 

[Tupelo Honey]

Hi Gundee,

I think you are wise to ask for various opinions.

Whatever you end up deciding, I hope that you will do so because it is what you believe in your heart, not because it's what people at your church expect you to believe.

If that is happening, find another church.

Different Biblical interpretations are why different Christian denominations and sects exist in the first place, but a lot of people are unaware of this. I know I was for a long time.

 

[gundee123]

We pay tithing and our church teaches that a tithe is 10% of our increase. Increase means just that--an increase of our wealth in whatever way it comes, which in the modern day is usually money. However, in other parts of the world (and historically in this country) tithing is and has been paid in goods.

As for scriptural proof, go to Dueteronomy 14:22-25 (King James version). "Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year." Then it talks about tithing other goods such as corn, wine, oil, herd, and flocks. "And if the way be too long for thee, so that thou art not able to carry it; or if the place be too far from thee, which the Lord thy God shall choose to set his name there . . . Then shalt thou turn it into money, and bind up the money in thine hand, and shalt go unto the place which the Lord thy God shall choose."

Hope this helps.

Thank you for comments on this issue. When you stated that increase means "an increase of our wealth in whatever way its comes," is this statement written anywhere in the scripture or is this an interpertation of the scripture. The reason I ask this question is because the scripture tells us "Thy shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year." I trust that you would agree that this scripture is not referring to the tithe as being money. Moreover, the next verse tells us specifically what the tithe is and what we are suppose to do with the tithe (eat it). Since the tithe is suppose to be eaten, it could not possibly be money. However, the tithe has been converted from something that was edible to money.

My question is, "Did tithe change from something edible in to money according to biblical scripture or is this man's interpertation of what the tithe should now be?" When we read further in this scripture, we find that there are two occasions when the tithe must be changed to money (1 - the way be too long for the tithe to be carried; 2 - the place be too far). No where does the scripture tell us convert the tithe to money because this is what we use in modern day. Further in this scripture, we find that the money must be converted back into a tithe and be eaten. Remember, money has been used as far back as Genesis. Jesus spoke of money many times. For those who say in the bible days, bartaring was the way people conducted business, I challenge them to check their bible to see if this is true.

Thank you for sharing insight on this issue with me. Please know that I very much respect your opinion.

 

[Rudyjohn]

I have something I'd like to add to this thread: you used the phrase "God fearing" in your first sentence in your first post (the converstaions you've had with some "God fearing" Christians). I am of the belief that God is not to be feared. He (or She) does not punish.

I realize this was not your original question but I felt the need to express this. After the exposure I've received in my job for the past 8 years, I've witnessed a kind, caring God, not a punishing, God fearing one. That to me seems more important that the tithing confusion/question.

That's all I wanted to say.