William Schryver Posted December 1, 2011 Posted December 1, 2011 OT question (serious).....what's the difference between a tithe and an offering?Tithing is payment of 10% of one's income annually.Offerings are separate and distinct from tithing, and fall into various categories, including "fast offerings," which we do each first Sunday of the month ("Fast Sunday") when we fast for two meals and give the amount of money that would have been used for those meals as an "offering" that goes into a fund to provide for the poor and needy in the church. Many people actually give more than the cost of the two meals. There are also optional offerings for the general missionary fund as well as humanitarian aid, among other things. I'll scan an offerings slip and post it here in a few minutes. That should help you understand better.
cinepro Posted December 1, 2011 Posted December 1, 2011 I've known more than one fifth-columnist with a TBM wife who paid tithing. Mark Hoffman was also a full tithe payer. It was essential to maintain his cover.I still agree with you though.
William Schryver Posted December 1, 2011 Posted December 1, 2011 OT question (serious).....what's the difference between a tithe and an offering?Here is a blank tithing and other offerings slip.One of the categories to which I regularly contribute is the one that reads "Perpetual Education." The "Perpetual Education Fund" is a fund that provides extremely low interest loans to members (especially in developing countries) to attend university or trade techincal colleges, etc. In my judgment, it is one of the most far-sighted programs in the church. It was initiated by President Gordon B. Hinckley, and has already provided for the education of thousands of church members around the world.
Sky Posted December 1, 2011 Author Posted December 1, 2011 (edited) OT question (serious).....what's the difference between a tithe and an offering?A tithe is the giving of 10% of your income to the (LDS) Church. The money then gets used for various Church purposes.When I said "offering", I was actually referring to what Mormons call "Fast Offerings." We go without two meals and then donate what we would have spent for those two meals to the Church. The Church then uses that money specifically to help the poor and needy members of the Church.Other offerings include free-will donations to the Church's humanitarian aid operation, temple construction, and the Perpetual Education Fund. Donating to these functions is encouraged, but not a requirement.Hope this helps.-Edit-Thanks, William Schryver, for posting the tithing slip. Edited December 1, 2011 by Sky
William Schryver Posted December 1, 2011 Posted December 1, 2011 I still agree with you though.I never doubted that you did.I have long believed that there is a part of you that, deep down, hopes it might all turn out to be true in the end, and therefore paying tithing is just your way of hedging your bets. 2
cinepro Posted December 1, 2011 Posted December 1, 2011 I never doubted that you did.I have long believed that there is a part of you that, deep down, hopes it might all turn out to be true in the end, and therefore paying tithing is just your way of hedging your bets. It's not that deep down. I've always hoped it turns out to be true. Why wouldn't I? 2
Senator Posted December 1, 2011 Posted December 1, 2011 As regards tithing, it has been my observation that it is, perhaps more than anything else, the most reliable indicator of faithfulness.Have you been a Bishop?Otherwise, how has it been your observation, since one's tithing status is a private matter?
mbh26 Posted December 1, 2011 Posted December 1, 2011 Have you been a Bishop?Otherwise, how has it been your observation, since one's tithing status is a private matter?How can it be totally private? People are going to wonder why you can't go to the temple, etc.
Senator Posted December 1, 2011 Posted December 1, 2011 How can it be totally private? People are going to wonder why you can't go to the temple, etc.1) It's no one elses business2) There are numerous reasons why someone isn't going to the temple.
LeSellers Posted December 1, 2011 Posted December 1, 2011 How can it be totally private? People are going to wonder why you can't go to the temple, etc.Unless the person tells you, how would you know he cannot go to the Temple? The only time someone would have a "visible" restriction is when he's disfellowshiped or on probation. In these cases, he cannot ask prayers, teach classes, or hold callings. Even then, I doubt most people would notice.Lehi
Sky Posted December 1, 2011 Author Posted December 1, 2011 Have you been a Bishop?Otherwise, how has it been your observation, since one's tithing status is a private matter?Although I don't have concrete proof, I think it's a fair statement that tithing status is usually a pretty good indicator of faithfulness.
Senator Posted December 1, 2011 Posted December 1, 2011 (edited) Although I don't have concrete proof, I think it's a fair statement that tithing status is usually a pretty good indicator of faithfulness.How so?Again, since tithing status is private, (unless you're a Bishop), how can it be an indicator? Edited December 1, 2011 by Senator
KevinG Posted December 1, 2011 Posted December 1, 2011 During graduate school at BYU one of my professors did a sociological study of LDS who Bishops and Stake presidents identified as strong families. Each was surveyed and the common behaviors between them were paying tithing, saying prayers and attending meetings.While this was somewhat self-defining in that Stake Presidents and Bishops may have already equated tithing and attendance as signs of strength, tithing is one of the few outward indicators of inward faith in God and considering the LDS Church as authoratative.I've counted tithes as part of two Bishoprics and I intentionally looked past who was contributing what other than to record it for their tax purposes. Anecdotally the same names on the envelopes tended to be those people who attended meetings, volunteered in callings and showed up when needed for service.Ultimately no one can know the degree of someones faith- but outward behavior can be an indication.
Grundelwalken Posted December 1, 2011 Posted December 1, 2011 I think someone said earlier that tithing is not about money but about faith. In my experience, tithe payers are some of the most faithful in the church so Will's statement carries a great deal of truth. As to how one can know, I will just say that many do know. MW
mbh26 Posted December 1, 2011 Posted December 1, 2011 (edited) Unless the person tells you, how would you know he cannot go to the Temple?So when they ask him why he can't go on the temple trip and he replies, "I can't disclose that information," is it really still a secret?As to how one can know, I will just say that many do know. MWNope, LeSellers has already said that it's nobodys business, therefore there's no reason the information would ever get out. Edited December 1, 2011 by mbh26
KevinG Posted December 2, 2011 Posted December 2, 2011 (edited) It is considered the height of rudeness to ask someone why they can't go to the Temple or say a prayer in LDS company. Sometimes it is as simple as I am not spiritually prepared today or I don't have time. It is not up to us to ask or pry into people's business.In fact we instruct people to ask for volunteers to say prayers or participate in ordianances so that no one is embarassed and has to turn down the offer.As far as Will's assumptions, they may be based on personal experience or experiences of intimate aquaintances who shared with him. Sometimes people who repent and are blessed share their stories in talks or lessons. Enough information is out there to make some generalizations without violating anyones personal privacy.This eagerness to snare Will with his own words is like a pack of hyenas trying to make a mountain out of a molehill. Leave that to the moles. Edited December 2, 2011 by DaddyG 2
cinepro Posted December 2, 2011 Posted December 2, 2011 I think someone said earlier that tithing is not about money but about faith. In my experience, tithe payers are some of the most faithful in the church so Will's statement carries a great deal of truth. As to how one can know, I will just say that many do know. MWI used to believe that, but then I tried to pay my tithing with faith instead of money and now I don't believe that anymore.
cinepro Posted December 2, 2011 Posted December 2, 2011 During graduate school at BYU one of my professors did a sociological study of LDS who Bishops and Stake presidents identified as strong families. Each was surveyed and the common behaviors between them were paying tithing, saying prayers and attending meetings. In the study, how was "strong family" defined? I suspect most people would define a "strong LDS family" based on those behaviors, so it could quickly become a circular definition.
KevinG Posted December 2, 2011 Posted December 2, 2011 In the study, how was "strong family" defined? I suspect most people would define a "strong LDS family" based on those behaviors, so it could quickly become a circular definition.As I pointed out in my description yes... In fairness I did not see the study details, I only heard the conclusions. In general however the outward behavior of having paid tithing is an indication of someones faith in the system they tithe into. I cannot believe many would do so for social reasons alone, especially when its a reasonably private system.
LeSellers Posted December 2, 2011 Posted December 2, 2011 So when they ask him why he can't go on the temple trip and he replies, "I can't disclose that information," is it really still a secret?Who'd ask. It's against policy to keep track of such things, and no one can insist that anyone go to the Temple for any reason. The question is preposterous.LeSellers has already said that it's nobodys business, therefore there's no reason the information would ever get out.First, it's Lehi. Please use my name.Next, it is no one's business, except the Bishop's.No one is authorized to ask about another's Temple status, and, in my experience, no one does.Lehi
Senator Posted December 2, 2011 Posted December 2, 2011 It is considered the height of rudeness to ask someone why they can't go to the Temple or say a prayer in LDS company. Sometimes it is as simple as I am not spiritually prepared today or I don't have time. It is not up to us to ask or pry into people's business.In fact we instruct people to ask for volunteers to say prayers or participate in ordianances so that no one is embarassed and has to turn down the offer.As far as Will's assumptions, they may be based on personal experience or experiences of intimate aquaintances who shared with him. Sometimes people who repent and are blessed share their stories in talks or lessons. Enough information is out there to make some generalizations without violating anyones personal privacy.This eagerness to snare Will with his own words is like a pack of hyenas trying to make a mountain out of a molehill. Leave that to the moles.No one is trying to snare Will. I was simply curious as how that statement can be made given the private nature of tithing....and "pack of hyenas"? I believe I'm the only one to question the statement. Hardly constitutes a pack. Come on, why the hyperbole? 2
KevinG Posted December 2, 2011 Posted December 2, 2011 No one is trying to snare Will. I was simply curious as how that statement can be made given the private nature of tithing....and "pack of hyenas"? I believe I'm the only one to question the statement. Hardly constitutes a pack. Come on, why the hyperbole?I NEVER use hyperbole. I swear on a mile high stack of For The Strength of the Youth pamphlets.OK I'll back off now.
Grundelwalken Posted December 2, 2011 Posted December 2, 2011 (edited) I used to believe that, but then I tried to pay my tithing with faith instead of money and now I don't believe that anymore. Very Cute!!! Edited December 2, 2011 by Grundelwalken
Saints Alive Posted December 2, 2011 Posted December 2, 2011 (edited) OOOPs wrong post Edited December 2, 2011 by Saints Alive
saemo Posted December 2, 2011 Posted December 2, 2011 A tithe is the giving of 10% of your income to the (LDS) Church. The money then gets used for various Church purposes.Other offerings include free-will donations to the Church's humanitarian aid operation, temple construction, and the Perpetual Education Fund. Donating to these functions is encouraged, but not a requirement.Would a tithe also be considered an offering? I only ask because the intent of a tithe for Catholics is an offering. Considered a small sacrifice that is united to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Which is why offerings are given at mass....not as a means to see who is making an offering or not....no one is checking.
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