Real life MMD: Should I stop my 10% charity payment?

Former_MSE_Penelope

Money Moral Dilemma: Should I stop my 10% charity payment?

For years, I have given a percentage of my earnings to my church - like many worshippers. I am a recent divorc! and bought my ex-wife's half of our house, so now pay the whole mortgage on my own. I just manage to survive with very little spare money at the end of each month. Should I stop the charity gift to ease my financial situation?

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[Deleted User]

Of course you should. Harsh as it may sound, it's an unnecessary outgoing that, at this time, you can't afford to make. If you feel really guilty about cancelling it, make an appointment to talk it over with your pastor.

(And if he does make you feel guilty about it, find a cheaper religion )

superbabe612

Do what you feel is right for you.
I was a single mum of 2 going to church every week and while I didn't contribute financially on a regular basis, I volunteered my time to help the church.
I designed and printed posters and tickets for events, I was on the fundraising committee for church repairs, I served refreshments after services and I contacted local radio and newspapers to gain publicity for events and fundraising.
God won't judge you for not contributing for a while.

vbrindle

Giving to charity is purely voluntary.

If you're raking it in and feel loaded maybe you would feel guilty about not giving to charity

However charity begins at home and if you haven't got money to spare then you have to look after number 1

Simple

whosforachat

It is just like anything else; if you can't afford it, don't do it. It is a luxury you cannot afford.

catnicex

The church in the post is generally defined thus there could be differences in the translation and tradition.
However, from the Catholic Gospel, I think that this is the answer:
"(1) When [Jesus] looked up he saw some wealthy people putting their offerings into the treasury (2) and he noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins. (3) He said, "I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest; (4) for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood."
(Luke 21:1-4)
I think it's self explanatory as an answer to the post.
Regards

vikki_louise

I'm coming from this from a different angle as I'm a founder and chair of a charity.

Because we are small (but make a big difference (even if I'm bias!), we use every penny given to it on making the kids we help smile and stretch the pennies with sales, discounts, loopholes etc. Donations are very important to us BUT I would never want someone to donate more than they can afford, if that means they give a tiny donation or no donation at all, it's ok. I would hate someone becoming unable to provide for their family or going into/adding to debt for us. We encourage people to help in other ways (like sending a card, collecting used stamps, spreading the word, donating old mobiles etc.


Edited to say we have received some very special donations, sometimes the kids we help have given us their pocket money, another boy who is waiting for a lung transplant planned a stall and sat in a hall all afternoon raising £15. How priceless those donations are

aka_shortie

10%???? Way to generous for me, why dont you reduce it 1%, on a £1500 monthly wage thats still £15. Most other charities its a £2 pm deal lol

pennypinchUK

Er, yes...what's the dilemma? If you carry on paying money to your church you'll end up bankrupt. And then you'll be seeking charity back, or state benefits, or both. As in everything, only spend money you can afford to spend.

pennypinchUK

catnicex wrote: »

The church in the post is generally defined thus there could be differences in the translation and tradition.
However, from the Catholic Gospel, I think that this is the answer:
"(1) When [Jesus] looked up he saw some wealthy people putting their offerings into the treasury (2) and he noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins. (3) He said, "I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest; (4) for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood."
(Luke 21:1-4)
I think it's self explanatory as an answer to the post.
Regards

This is a clear example of the way religion twists words and plays the guilt game to meet their own ends. So the poor widow and all other poor people are expected to shell out money they desperately need for themselves due to the social pressure their Church exerts? And what for? So the church has enough money to polish their vast reserves of gold and other priceless antiquities, while their flock starve, or go without adequate heating and clothing. The Catholic Church is the worst offender - can't people see through their morally bankrupt hypocrisy that leaves so many of their followers throughout the world in abject poverty while standing in the same community is a church building displaying obscene wealth that's been collected from just the people they should be helping?

jazimews

Simple answer, YES!
I'm in a similar situation and before my marriage break up I used to donate £5 to around six different charities a month. Not a lot but it helped them. I can no longer afford to do so and had to cancel the standing orders and direct debits. Imwrote to each charity and told them why I was stopping donating. I received lovely understanding replies from them all. No charity wants to see anyone struggle to help them. When I am in a position to, I will restart my donations, this may be in many years time, but iy is something I will do when I can afford to.

I am sure your church will understand if yo explain the situation to them. As others have said, donations of help and time are just as useful and welcomed. I know as that is what I do now when I can.