My mother always said, “Never talk about politics or religion“. So in the true spirit of my questionable upbringing, let’s get this thing started. I fully expect to strike a nerve in many and look forward to the backlash. That is if I can get people to read this blog. Don’t hold back, go ahead and say it!
The tithing debate, at least on TRISI, shouldn’t be confused as an attack on religion or churches. Personally, I’m referring to required tithing or high pressure tactics by the Church or its management.
Many churches require mandatory tithing by Christians (giving 10% of their gross income to the Church) in order to become Church members. This is where I have a problem with tithing. Voluntary tithing or twentything (joking) is fine as long as it’s not required to become a member of the Church. And I’m not talking about some lame ass ‘exceptions’ for certain situations such as laid off or unemployed members. No one should be forced to donate to become a member.
Voluntary offerings to support their Church, house of worship or religious institutions is an admirable thing to do. If you attend, you should contribute in my opinion. That’s not the issue. As far as I’m concerned, even mandatory tithing isn’t a problem; as long as the Church operates as a business and pays the appropriate taxes.
Once donations or offerings become mandatory, they are no longer donations. They are membership dues. They should not be tax deductible and the Church should pay tax on the proceeds. Fair is fair. Either you want tax free status or you want a business. It’s simple math. Service provided for cost equals business.
And while I’m on the subject, stop saying it’s for God. That’s bullshit; God isn’t asking for money, the Church is. Nothing wrong with that but at least be honest about it. It’s to run the lights and pay the bills. To keep the Pastor/Minister/Reverend/Priest or whatever else they call themselves in decent cloths and housed properly. All good things if done with the right heart and for the right reason. Fear of hell or rejection is great business but not very Godly… Well, Ok, you got me there. lol
BTW, Send donations to my PayPal account or you are going to hell. Joking, I’m a very funny guy.
Just for your personal interpretation. I just want to be fair:
Malachi 3:10 (New International Version)
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.Malachi 3:10 (New Living Translation)
10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!
Malachi 3:10 (King James Version)
10Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
Post inspired by a Facebook discussion started by Scotty Reid of the Black Talk Radio Network.