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

luscious_peach

It all really depends on how much you believe the Bible to be the word of God. I personally always tithe and have reaped the benefits. You really do reap what you sow. Many people do not and will not understand titheing as a spiritual act of worship. God would not put you under pressure but I would suggest that you find what money you do have will stretch further when you tithe. This is not something that can be substantiated but is a miraculous blessing from God. This is where many people will argue, but if they have no faith they will never see the goodness of God - more's the pity.

juliaw

There are two different issues here:

1 Should someone on reduced income still be giving 10% to charity (doesn't the old idea of tithing come from the days before Income Tax and National Insurance, systems for redistributing wealth)

2 Does a religious organisation need that money? Where does it go?

truebeliever

God is aware of your circumstances and is it him you should take notice of. He doesn't want you to go without, so ask Him what you should give.

AliBongo73

I agree that you should write explaining your circumstances - if they are genuine they will understand that you cannot pay that much - 10% is a huge amount of income - I am not sure everyone else in your church pays anywhere near that much. Maybe pay less and/or offer your time instead; there are many jobs which I am sure need doing, and there may be others who are cash rich and time poor and unable to do them, so that may strike a happy balance.

killerkaterina

If you're not a Christian, it's a no-brainer - don't give to charity if you can't afford it. If you are a Christian, it's much more difficult - everything you have comes from God and he tells you to give a proportion of it back as an act of obedience. You have to listen to your own conscience and you could talk it out with some friends - maybe at a different church so there's no potential conflict of interest.

Personally, I always remember Malachi 3:10, and I've found that God keeps his word. That said, he is a person, not a set of rules, and he does understand your circumstances. Don't worry too much, whatever you decide.

lizandalfiecat

I had to make similar decisins this year about my charity support. I was giving a small amount regularly. I'm now on benefits and can't afford it. I felt very guilty,as its a local charity I feel very connected with.

My way of giving to charity now is not in cash terms, but in time/effort terms. I don't have the cash, but I can help with tasks the charity needs doing and I enjoy this.

Could this work for you? Talk with your church and see if they have ways you can support them without it being cash, as now you can't afford the money.

Good luck

Autumn19

Everyone of us has a different slant on this and we can all voice what we think you should do. So here is my tuppence worth.

10% of your salary at this present time is way to much.
Speak to your church representative (do not know what denomination you are) and explain the situtation, and I am sure that they (as a giving and supportive religion) will fully understand.

Between you both you can then decide on another form of 'giving' which could be your precious time. It could be making the refreshments after the service, or tidying up the church after service.

When you are in a better financial position then you could re-consider giving a financial donation but 10% is way to much. Remember at least 70% of all donations go towards the upkeep of the staff for any charity/church in salaries, utility bills, rent, pension payments, administration etc.

The old adage 'charity begins at home' springs to mind so in this instance you and your family come first.

All the best for the future

quantium

It depends on what you mean by income. Disposable income seems more relevant, ie after you have paid all your bills give 10% of what is left to wherever you feel it should go.

Reverbe

Give them your time in some kind of voluntary capacity.. what are you actually giving the church money for anyway ie what are they using it for?It shouldnt cost money to have a faith or belief.

pinball13

He should have thought about this before he decided to invest more of his income into his house. Many people are talking about 'reduced income' but that's not the case. He gets the benefit of owning the house and if that means he can no longer afford to give 10% of his income to his church then that's his decision.