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

MikeCross

The bible plainly advises (Matt 10.8):
"Freely you have received, freely give"

But if you don't have, it says (2 Cor 8.12):
"It is accepted according to that a man hath and not according to that he hath not; For I mean not that other men be eased and ye burdened; But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want... that there may be equality."

ie. If you are short now, ease off. You can restart once the money flows again.

gdrew22

Luke 6:38

New International Version (NIV)

38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Ebenezer_Screwj

Why hasn't your wife taken over her share of the mortgage ? As for giving money to the church - forget it. For centuries these institutions have grown rich at the expense of people who can least afford it.

bennett2kuk

From a personal perspective yes of course you should stop giving to your cult you are a member of. There's no god and no afterlife so you're basically funding a fairytale. If you can't afford to then stop, simple as that.
I find it disgusting that part of my council tax funds the church, and I find all religion personally offensive. :mad:

Rachel021967

If you cannot afford it then you should stop making a donation for now. You could always contribute by service. Taking somebody to and from church, join the choir, become a bellringer, make visits to local residential homes, join the fundraising committee, help out at the youth group etc.

ThriftySal

Years ago someone said to my husband, a vicar, 'You can't afford to tithe'. His answer: 'We can't afford not to tithe'! Having said that, we have discovered that we cannot afford to tithe on our gross income, but on the nett income. ie. We tithe the cash in hand, and then give above and beyond that, as and when we feel prompted.

pennypinchUK

gdrew22 wrote: »

Luke 6:38

New International Version (NIV)

38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

If this type of promise was made by any company in a marketing campaign they'd be hauled up and dragged through the courts for false representation. Martin Lewis might be called by the BBC for a quote and he'd doubtless say it's a rogue promise that can't be substantiated, by a rouge outfit, and they should be avoided at all costs. But as it's from "the Bible" suddenly it's okay, and should be listened to earnestly, taken as a fact and acted upon without question, because "God" says it's the right thing to do.

I wonder if God could be taken to court by the Advertising Standards Authority?

Marco12452

Charity donations should only come out of disposable income. You need to ensure you can manage yourself financially before helping onyone else.

mercmanricky

bennett2kuk, i find your comments personally offensive. Please

I see tithing as an insurance policy. If you have been giving your tithe for many years, a good church won't let you go without. I have a friend who was in a similar situation, well worse, he'd lost his job and couldn't cover the mortgage. The church paid it for him and bought him essentials such as groceries till he was back on his feet with work.

I doubt he'll ever stop paying since he now realises where his money goes.

cazpost

The fact that you are giving this money to your Church seems to be clouding the debate somewhat. If you were giving 10% of your income to the RSPCA for example, everyone would immediately say 'Stop!'
You need to look after your finances for your welfare,thats just common sense.The Church isnt going to help you if you find yourself in debt,homeless,or worse!
If you are uncomfortable about stopping,then talk to the Church leader, and explain why, although I personally think its none of their business.Offer your time, or your skills instead,if you want to make a contribution. As another poster said,if they make you feel guilty or uncomfortable,find another church or group who will appreciate you more.