So our church does talk about tithing (giving 1/10 of your income to the Church). It is not compulsory the way some Church’s are set up (I believe Mormons do this, but not sure about other branches of Christianity). So there are various discussions about whether it is part of Christianity to give 1/10 of your income, I’m not going to get into that, I think everyone should give what they can to whatever Charity (be it a Church, or the United Way or whatever) they so choose:
(2 Cor 9:6)
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
Give what you think you can give, and give with a joyous heart. Muslim texts speak of the same concepts, of the importance of Charity, so please don’t think I am somehow equating Christianity as the ONLY charitable view of God, just understanding one of the more interesting cornerstones of it (i.e. tithing).
The more interesting discussions I have heard is, does tithing mean 1/10 of my GROSS income or NET income? Usually it’s financial planners or accountants having that argument :-).
Give, what you can, and feel happy doing it.
The United Way? Giving 10% of my income is an act of worship towards God. You aren’t tithing if you are giving money to an organization that clearly does not have a God centered Christian mission. I’m not against giving to these organizations but that is just charitable giving, not tithing.
Well.. I’m not sure the richest organization in the world needs your money, I’d rather you actually help someone.
I think if you don’t feel comfortable giving to the Church, I don’t have a huge problem with that either, find somewhere else where you feel your charity can do the best work. I give where I think is best, but you should give where you think is the best.
–c8j