How In The World Is Tithing A Privilage?

[The_RealEnigma]

I think one of the great things as human beings that we have to wrestle with in this lifetime is our relationship with money. There is no getting around that.

That is very true, I personally do not belive that money is the root of all evil, selfishness is the root of all evil. And thus far I have managed to avoid the selfishness of keeping it all to myself, I have always been a full tith payer and always will be.

[ERayR]

I had an interesting conversation with my Mom today about tithing. For me tithing has always been a burden, a price you played for being a member of the church, yes I know and have always known that tithing goes towards important things (unlike our taxes) like the mission field, building of temples, disaster relief, maintaining and sustaining Church Buildings and the like but when my mom said that "paying tithing is a privilege" I nearly choked.

Being a Soldier in the US Army means I am working poor, half my money gets taken by uncle Sam, and I literally mean half, then on top of my pay being docked for a meal card I don't need or want twice a month I have to pay tithing which leaves me with next to nothing.

But all that aside, as I look back, I can see how part of my problem is the way my Dad used to hawk me (as I call it) about paying tithing. When I say hawk me I mean he would follow me to my room and watch to make sure I filled out a tithing slip.

Before that he would hound me 4 or 5 times daily about paying tithing until I filled out a tithing slip.

I realize in hind sight that my dad was just trying to make sure I did the right thing but I am certain now as I look back that he unintentionally gave me the wrong impression about the purpose of tithing. Buy hounding and practically dogging my every step to make sure it got done he was instilling fear not joy or appreciation in the act of paying tithing.

Another contributing factor was my Dads rabid almost fanatical lecturing and terrorizing me every and anytime I spent money. At the age of 12 I was earning about $5 a week and like a 12 year old I spent it on toys. Well my dear Dad who I am sure wanted me to understand the worth of a dollar went overboard by lecturing and practically browbeating me every and any time I spent money, he would always go on and on about budgeting and I used to think to myself budget what? 5 measly dollars, what does he think I'm gonna spend it on .50 Cent candy bars?

Now as an adult I can honestly say I am the worst kind of miser. I have chosen to have no hobbies or interests because virtually all of them cost money and I hate to spend money. This unfortunately plays right into Satan’s hands as it a very unpleasant and unwelcome task for me to pay tithing.

Now having said that I have always paid tithing no matter what but I have never and still can't see how paying tithing is in any way a privilege? In fact I have always viewed it as a burden but a none-negotiable one since I had to start paying it.

Even now I see no advantage to being promoted as whatever raise I would get will be offset by taxes and tithing.

Is it greed, probably, is it miserly absolutly, I remember when I got back from my first deployment and had 10K dollars in the bank. I didn't as most of my fellow soldiers would have go out and blow it on whatever instead I just sat there and marveled at myself. Everytime I got paid I would go online and look at my bank account and preen at how much money I had. I had no will or plan to use it for anything; I just wanted to see it increase for no other reason than because.

To this day I don't date, don't want to marry, don't have a social life, hobbies or intrests because it would require or cause money issues.

But I still can't wrap my brain around how tithing is a privilage. A requirment? Yes! A help to growing the kingdom? Yes! A burdon for people like me? More often than not! But a privilage???

I am sorry your relationship with your dad was so terrible. He doesn't seem like a very nice guy, what with trying to teach you what is right and all. Somebody should have called social services

[ERayR]

Nothing wrong with that. That's what I do. The bottom line is if you feel clean fbefore the Lord and tithe on net as opposed to gross than live that way. As for me, I do tithe on my tax returns since its basically money I do not tithe on during the year.

Do you tithe on the value of those benefits you get from the deductions out of your paycheck? Health insurance has some value. Deductions to savings plan, etc.

[ERMD]

Those who have been excommunicated and have not been reinstated cannot pay tithing. It is a privilege.

[Saints Alive]

I believe this blogger has it right when it comes to tithing: http://puremormonism.blogspot.com/2012/12/are-we-paying-too-much-tithing.html?m=1

[Bill “Papa” Lee]

I had an interesting conversation with my Mom today about tithing. For me tithing has always been a burden, a price you played for being a member of the church, yes I know and have always known that tithing goes towards important things (unlike our taxes) like the mission field, building of temples, disaster relief, maintaining and sustaining Church Buildings and the like but when my mom said that "paying tithing is a privilege" I nearly choked.

Being a Soldier in the US Army means I am working poor, half my money gets taken by uncle Sam, and I literally mean half, then on top of my pay being docked for a meal card I don't need or want twice a month I have to pay tithing which leaves me with next to nothing.

But all that aside, as I look back, I can see how part of my problem is the way my Dad used to hawk me (as I call it) about paying tithing. When I say hawk me I mean he would follow me to my room and watch to make sure I filled out a tithing slip.

Before that he would hound me 4 or 5 times daily about paying tithing until I filled out a tithing slip.

I realize in hind sight that my dad was just trying to make sure I did the right thing but I am certain now as I look back that he unintentionally gave me the wrong impression about the purpose of tithing. Buy hounding and practically dogging my every step to make sure it got done he was instilling fear not joy or appreciation in the act of paying tithing.

Another contributing factor was my Dads rabid almost fanatical lecturing and terrorizing me every and anytime I spent money. At the age of 12 I was earning about $5 a week and like a 12 year old I spent it on toys. Well my dear Dad who I am sure wanted me to understand the worth of a dollar went overboard by lecturing and practically browbeating me every and any time I spent money, he would always go on and on about budgeting and I used to think to myself budget what? 5 measly dollars, what does he think I'm gonna spend it on .50 Cent candy bars?

Now as an adult I can honestly say I am the worst kind of miser. I have chosen to have no hobbies or interests because virtually all of them cost money and I hate to spend money. This unfortunately plays right into Satan’s hands as it a very unpleasant and unwelcome task for me to pay tithing.

Now having said that I have always paid tithing no matter what but I have never and still can't see how paying tithing is in any way a privilege? In fact I have always viewed it as a burden but a none-negotiable one since I had to start paying it.

Even now I see no advantage to being promoted as whatever raise I would get will be offset by taxes and tithing.

Is it greed, probably, is it miserly absolutly, I remember when I got back from my first deployment and had 10K dollars in the bank. I didn't as most of my fellow soldiers would have go out and blow it on whatever instead I just sat there and marveled at myself. Everytime I got paid I would go online and look at my bank account and preen at how much money I had. I had no will or plan to use it for anything; I just wanted to see it increase for no other reason than because.

To this day I don't date, don't want to marry, don't have a social life, hobbies or intrests because it would require or cause money issues.

But I still can't wrap my brain around how tithing is a privilage. A requirment? Yes! A help to growing the kingdom? Yes! A burdon for people like me? More often than not! But a privilage???

Having served in the Army (8 years) and the Church for 34...both are indeed a privilege.

[salvar774]

I believe this blogger has it right when it comes to tithing: http://puremormonism...ithing.html?m=1

Wow, that blog was very interesting .

[salvar774]

Wow, that blog was very interesting .

http://puremormonism.blogspot.com/2012/12/are-we-paying-too-much-tithing.html?m=1

Does any one here think that ,that blog about tithing is correct ?

[Kenngo1969]

That is very true, I personally do not belive that money is the root of all evil, selfishness is the root of all evil. And thus far I have managed to avoid the selfishness of keeping it all to myself, I have always been a full tith payer and always will be.

The scripture to which you are referring does not say that money is the root of all evil, but rather, that the love of money is the root of all evil.

[Kenngo1969]

http://puremormonism.blogspot.com/2012/12/are-we-paying-too-much-tithing.html?m=1

Does any one here think that ,that blog about tithing is correct ?

Yeah . . . if you throw out that whole "open-canon," "continuing-revelation" thing, and all.

[salvar774]

Yeah . . . if you throw out that whole "open-canon," "continuing-revelation" thing, and all.

The only thing that stops me from not considering it true is the " and this shall be a standing law unto them forever, for my holy priesthood, saith the Lord."

It makes sense to me . There is another post that is titled "Mormon Tithing "

It would be hard for most tithe paying members to not pay 10 percent . It is so embedded in our beliefs . It certainly would help brothers and sisters that have a hard time paying 10 percent of thier income in becoming full tithe payers , or not

[thesometimesaint]

That is very true, I personally do not belive that money is the root of all evil, selfishness is the root of all evil. And thus far I have managed to avoid the selfishness of keeping it all to myself, I have always been a full tith payer and always will be.

Money is in and of itself amoral. But the love of it leads us into the root of all evils. To get gain at the expense of others.

[cdowis]

As a member of the church, I am thankful for the opportunity to contribute to the kingdom of God, and know that this is going to build up His kingdom, rather than going to someone else.

Edited February 16, 2013 by cdowis

[Saints Alive]

http://puremormonism.blogspot.com/2012/12/are-we-paying-too-much-tithing.html?m=1

Does any one here think that ,that blog about tithing is correct ?

I do, I don't think tithing should be a hardship for anyone. I don't agree with everything on that blog but I do believe he makes some good points and questions something that others refuse to question.

[salvar774]

I do, I don't think tithing should be a hardship for anyone. I don't agree with everything on that blog but I do believe he makes some good points and questions something that others refuse to question.

I like to look at thing in the simplest way .I being a father would never require my children to sacrifice in order to show ne honor or respect . If my chidren have enough and then care to scarifice their surplus to vist and honor me or give me joy , That, would glorious .

Not that I am even considering changing my tithing beliefs , but it does merit farther investigation .

I have been accused of being to simplistic in my views

[Tacenda]

I like to look at thing in the simplest way .I being a father would never require my children to sacrifice in order to show ne honor or respect . If my chidren have enough and then care to scarifice their surplus to vist and honor me or give me joy , That, would glorious .

Not that I am even considering changing my tithing beliefs , but it does merit farther investigation .

I have been accused of being to simplistic in my views

The part that had the portion of the Ensign that spoke about a woman paying tithing before buying food for her children or paying bills sure made the rounds on other boards where struggling LDS hang out. I see it that the church probably helps those that can't pay their bills and provides food. But it's hard on people to go to the church for help and they may suffer needlessly. Maybe it should be on surplus and not 10% of the paycheck. That way we would feel more responsibility for taking care of our own families first. It's especially hardest on the low income families. Edited February 16, 2013 by Tacenda

[Saints Alive]

. Maybe it should be on surplus and not 10% of the paycheck.

I agree, that is one thing that the CofC got right.

[Garden Girl]

The part that had the portion of the Ensign that spoke about a woman paying tithing before buying food for her children or paying bills sure made the rounds on other boards where struggling LDS hang out. I see it that the church probably helps those that can't pay their bills and provides food. But it's hard on people to go to the church for help and they may suffer needlessly. Maybe it should be on surplus and not 10% of the paycheck. That way we would feel more responsibility for taking care of our own families first. It's especially hardest on the low income families.

I agree, that is one thing that the CofC got right.

Well, I do have to say that because of my own experiences with tithing, I respectively disagree... I've struggled somewhat at times... certainly not like some with families... but...I've always faithfully and prayerfully adhered to the Lord's admonishment in Malachi 3:10 "Bring 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 the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."

The Lord invites us to exercise our faith and to "prove him now herewith." That's what I've done, and I've had some wonderful experiences, spiritually and temporally... like I said earlier... I can't afford not to pay tithing, and I choose to do so according to the scriptures... 10%... and I always pay tithing first, and I choose to pay on gross. Others may pay differently but this is what I do and it's amazing the blessings that come to me, particularly in those times when I struggle. Something always happens and I've never had to ask for help.

GG

[Saints Alive]

. Something always happens and I've never had to ask for help.

GG

And I guess those who faithfully paid their tithing, fell on hard time and had to choose between food and tithing just weren't faithful enough? Or maybe they only paid on there net income? Or they were probably sinning in some way.

[Tacenda]

Well, I do have to say that because of my own experiences with tithing, I respectively disagree... I've struggled somewhat at times... certainly not like some with families... but...I've always faithfully and prayerfully adhered to the Lord's admonishment in Malachi 3:10 "Bring 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 the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."

The Lord invites us to exercise our faith and to "prove him now herewith." That's what I've done, and I've had some wonderful experiences, spiritually and temporally... like I said earlier... I can't afford not to pay tithing, and I choose to do so according to the scriptures... 10%... and I always pay tithing first, and I choose to pay on gross. Others may pay differently but this is what I do and it's amazing the blessings that come to me, particularly in those times when I struggle. Something always happens and I've never had to ask for help.

GG

Most of my life I've paid as you have stated you have except this year was not on gross maybe net and I had some extra money to help other charities. The church is doing fine with it's billions. The scriptures say 10% of your surplus, unbeknownst to me until fairly recently. The Lord is pleased when we help elsewhere too. Edited February 17, 2013 by Tacenda

[Garden Girl]

And I guess those who faithfully paid their tithing, fell on hard time and had to choose between food and tithing just weren't faithful enough? Or maybe they only paid on there net income? Or they were probably sinning in some way.

Now Saints Alive... that's not what I imply and you know that... I'm simply telling my own experience. We have one family in my ward that is so faithful in their tithes and offerings, but sometimes they struggle so. The blessings the Lord promises to pour out upon us are not always temporal... many are spiritual... thus a family or person may still struggle temporally regardless of how faithfully they tithe. That's why if I paid my full tithe then fell on hard times, I'd counsel with the bishop and not hesitate to seek help from the bishop to see me through until things improved. So far, I've been blessed in the way I handle things and I'm thankful for that.

GG

[Garden Girl]

Most of my life I've paid as you have stated you have except this year was not on gross maybe net and I had some extra money to help other charities. The church is doing fine with it's billions. The scriptures say 10% of your surplus, unbeknownst to me until fairly recently. The Lord is pleased when we help elsewhere too.

As others have pointed out, it's not really about the money. The Church doesn't need the money that I tithe on my pensions every month... my humble little pensions from 30 years of working when I was inactive and not paying tithing.

BTW, I used to receive funds from a source that I had tithed on previously... whenever I withdrew those funds, I did not tithe on them.

GG

[Tacenda]

As others have pointed out, it's not really about the money. The Church doesn't need the money that I tithe on my pensions every month... my humble little pensions from 30 years of working when I was inactive and not paying tithing.

BTW, I used to receive funds from a source that I had tithed on previously... whenever I withdrew those funds, I did not tithe on them.

GG

I believe in tithing but why haven't we been taught that it is on our surplus? This seems to have been sidestepped by you and others. Or is it possible that we wouldn't be able to build the beautiful temples in great number? Or take care of the US if it were to ever crumble. Because that's how wealthy this church is. I can almost accept both scenarios and give in to keeping tithing as I've always known it to be.

[Saints Alive]

I believe in tithing but why haven't we been taught that it is on our surplus? This seems to have been sidestepped by you and others. Or is it possible that we wouldn't be able to build the beautiful temples in great number? Or take care of the US if it were to ever crumble. Because that's how wealthy this church is. I can almost accept both scenarios and give in to keeping tithing as I've always known it to be.

see the blog "pure Mormonism" he does a good job of explaining how we got to where we are now.

[BlueDreams]

But I still can't wrap my brain around how tithing is a privilage. A requirment? Yes! A help to growing the kingdom? Yes! A burdon for people like me? More often than not! But a privilage???

First: what Ellen said...I do the same thing and then pay tithing on my tax return as well.

Personally I feel it could be described as a privilege as a reminder that I have money to give in the first place (college student with only part time work...poor is the right descriptor for it). It reminds me of just how blessed I am to have enough for my needs and then some. I have been blessed with experiences, capabilities, and the likes that I feel often go above and beyond what I should have been able to just on financial constraints alone. Plus there have been times where I rightly shouldn't have made it. Like when I got back off my mission dirt poor and was heading back to school. I had just enough that if I maxed out my credit card, emptied my savings, ate almost nothing, and prayed very hard I could make it. I would just squeak by....at least for the semester. I asked for a little help from my parents as well. My bio-dad had set up an account eons ago in my name that had gone back to the state. So we went to claims to get it. He told me to expect a $3-400. Instead there was over 800 dollars there. I couldn't believe my eyes. And I paid tithing on it, in recognition that I really shouldn't have been able to get by as I was....but I was.

I would be living paycheck to paycheck after that for about 8 months but I never second-guessed paying tithing from there on out. When I did hesitate (usually when I was getting larger sums of money and I'm a cheapskate/natural saver), I remembered that I was far more ahead than I would have been without Him. It felt more like I would be extremely ungrateful to not pay my tithing. And it still applies today. I figure back last year around that same time that if I had a grant I would break even by the time I graduated. Instead, I'll be graduating with an active savings account with significant money in it thanks to an unexpected scholarship. I have my family, systematic (school, government, etc) opportunities, the place I live in, and God to thank for that. I don't feel that I've entirely "earned" my way to this spot. It's come at the sacrifice of many others...including other people's tithing. The money doesn't feel like "my money" entirely. So tithing is a simple way for me to meaningfully say thank you for all the things I couldn't have done without Him.

With luv,

BD

Edited February 17, 2013 by BlueDreams