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

WestonDave

Being financially minded and a Christian, the issue of giving is something I have spent some time thinking about. Clearly the bible has a number of specific verses refering for example to 10%, however I have come to believe that what Christians are called to do is to be good stewards of what God has provided. There used to be a prayer used in the Church of England at collection time which went something like "Of your own O God have we given you" - well arguably the important bit is not so much how much you give away but what you do with the rest. If you need a roof over your head then it makes sense to allocate funds to that, but it isn't right to be paying for a mansion whilst others are sleeping rough just outside the gates. Similarly getting yourself in debt whilst giving to the church isn't right - in effect you are giving someone else's money because if you default it will in effect be the lender who has been forced to give!

If you want to be Christian about this, then consider what you have as being a gift from God, and use it accordingly, and as though you were looking after it for him. He wants you to enjoy his gifts, so sometimes having some fun is right. Similarly occasionally you may feel called to give even though you aren't sure how you afford it - however that is an occasional specific thing as opposed to normal good Christian stewardship.

10% can be a guideline, but its not a charter for richer Christians to evade their responsibility to demonstrate God's love to the poor, nor should it be a rope to strangle the less well off.

If having carefully considered your finances (the starting point for good stewardship) you can't afford 10% then give what you can. If you can afford more than 10% then consider whether it is right to be doing more. Churches should also be doing the same - considering what of their income they need for internal work and what should be freed for helping the community outside.

andrewsavedexpert

cazpost wrote: »

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 your church isn't helping those in debt, homeless etc, then stop giving and move churches. If it is, then give as your are cheerfully able to.

gaggyball

'Giving' is a biblical principle and if you have given 10% of your income for years then this is great. However, if your financial commitments have changed then I beleive that you can give less. The bible says;
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7). The act of giving is what's inportant. :A

Brockyman

The Arts Council recently had to withdraw a lot of funding to theatres all over the country because it could no longer afford it. I think that is great because I don't see why I should subsidise tickets to The Royal Opera House, for example. You are in the same position in that the Church is a form of entertainment for a minority of people but you can no longer afford to subsidise it for others. If the Church doesn't have enough appeal to be self funding then surely it is time for it to go.

nemorobinson

How much you decide to give is entirely personal between you and God, and you definitely shouldn't feel pressured to keep up with everyone else. Lots of people always stay with the 10% thing, believing that God will provide, and whatever you contribute, remember to continue to trust him. However, whatever to decide to do, remember about the story of the woman with two copper coins. In comparison to the rich guy she gave next to nothing but she gave all she had and God respected her more. Remember Matthew 6:33 - seek the kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need...
You don't need to worry when you have God.

Gillsx

You should always make sure you are financially sound before making voluntary donations. You need to ensure you have savings behind you also if anything goes wrong (ie your car breaks down or you need a plumber). Stop the payments, make life more comfortable and put away a little each month into savings.

iscamaid

The purpose of tithing is to give sum which is reasonable to you. Whilst the word tithe means 10% the modern church would interpret that as an amount which you can afford without putting you under financial hardship. I agree with other posts that as a Christian you can ease your concience by then offering time to the church or a charity. I attend church and often find I am in a postion that all have have is loose change in my purse for the collect. I give what I have and feel this is all I can do, I have done the best I can and do not worry.

LameWolf

I was in a similar situation myself, some years ago; I was regularly giving to my chosen charity, but found I could not afford even the relatively small monthly donation.

I wrote to the charity, explained my situation, and said that when my situation improved, I would resume donating.

I had a lovely letter back, saying they understood completely, and wishing me well.

Naturally, I now donate to them regularly again.

OP, you can always resume donating when your financial situation is on a more even keel.

ISAmad

I'm not religious but I'm not a religion-basher either (unlike some hot-heads on here).

The sensible thing to do is have a private, open and honest conversation with your priest/vicar. Explain that you cannot afford the size of contributions you've been making hitherto. I'm sure he (or very often 'she' these days) will want to help alleviate your financial difficulties - and all the emotional turmoil that couples them.

If you're comfortable with your church and church leaders, I don't know why you'd seek to resolve your anxiety on a money-saving internet forum. Their very job is to counsel people like you.

If they start coercing you into continuing these payments, THEN come to the forums for advice.

Giselle27

I think you should just give what you can afford to the Church. 10% is a lot to ask. I suggest you give £ 2 a week in the collection plate. Charity begins at home!