no i dnt,i think its moronic for a church to demand a certain percentageof ur earnings. but its you who belongs,not me!

They should allow you to give whatever can. The Bible talks about the first fruits which is where they get the 10% but if you can not do that do not do it. The problem is a lot of churches will make you feel guilty if you don't give it.

No. Any donation should be voluntary. If you have to pay in to join a church, I wouldn't do it. Find out what they do with the money.

NO; I do not !! Churches may REQUEST that their members tithe ; BUT have NO right to DEMAND it .... I wouldn't stay at a church that made those kind of demands ...

The Bible says to give Ceasar what is Ceasar's and give the Lord what is the Lord's. Traditionally, a tithe is 10%. Since all of it once was God's to begin with, giving back 10% in appreciation is only right.

i really think what you give is your choice and the Lord rewards accordingly, the amount you give should always be between you and God, not a church committee.

That's highway robbery! What if you need your money? What if you get in a jam? That is a very ungodly thing to ask of someone and it saddens me that even places of faith are stooping to such a level. They should be thankful for whatever donations they recieve and should in no way be pressuring anyone to such a degree. If I were you, I would find a new church as the one you are attending seems to have their priorities askew.

My Church asks for people to tithe, but it is not forced upon the churchgoers. and people are not looked down upon for refusing to tithe. It is a good system.

No. I don't agree with *requiring* someone to tithe a "flat-rate." Aside from the fact that it's a holdover from Old Testament covenants, it discriminates against the poor who, according to Christ, hold a very special place in the heart of God.

The Catholic Church been handing around the plate, bucket, collection dish for years upon years.....This is nothing new at all.

A tithe is a tenth, etymologically speaking; in fact, tithe is the old ordinal numeral in English. But, no Church should make it mandatory to give that amount of your income--although some people actually choose to give more. Give in the amount that you feel you have been blessed.

No. It's not really "your" donation if you are made to donate.

the more pertinent question is "do YOU agree with this practice?" if not, go to another church, there's one on every corner

Malachi 3: 8 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. 9 Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. 10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in my 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. It should be taught but not required.

No. The Catholic Church does not teach giving 10% to the Church. Tithing is the part of the Mosaic Law that covers temple worship. Jesus fulfilled the Law of Moses. Christians are not held to the ceremonial parts of the Mosaic Law concerning of dietary purity and temple worship. Christians are held to the moral law of God, some of which is expressed in the Ten Commandments. However Jesus took the Ten Commandments to the next step summarizing them into the two Great Commandments: • You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. • You shall love your neighbor as yourself. And teaching things like • Everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. • Everyone is our neighbor including our enemies. Therefore we have to go much farther than the original recipients of the Ten Commandments ever dreamed. Catholics need to examine their personal finances, determine what part of their God-given time, talent, and treasure they can freely choose to give back. For more information, see the Catechism of the Catholic Church, part 3, section 2: http://www.usccb.org/catechism/text/pt3sect2.shtml With love in Christ.

I copied the following from part of a lenghty article about Tithing. Tithing and the Law of Moses Tithing was part of a body of laws given by God through Moses to the ancient nation of Israel. Twelve tribes of Israel were required by law to support a 13th tribe, the priestly Levites, who had no land inheritance. This enabled the Levites to concentrate on the spiritual needs of the nation. (Numbers 18:21-24) Being an agricultural people, the Israelites were not required to pay the tithe in cash. Rather, it was to come from the land’s produce and from the increase in livestock. If produce was to be tithed and an Israelite wanted to give money instead, then he had to pay 20 percent more than the value of the produce.—Leviticus 27:30-33. God’s command on tithing was a serious matter. If an Israelite mistakenly used for himself some of what he was going to tithe, then he had to make amends. How? By giving an extra 20 percent and offering up an animal sacrifice for his guilt. (Leviticus 5:14-16) http://bible.cc/leviticus/5-15.htm Though not every Israelite could share in the priesthood, everyone could share in the support of the priestly service through the tithe. All of this was included in God’s law on tithing. Therefore, it fitted the circumstances of that ancient people. But does it fit the circumstances of people today? More importantly, are Christians commanded to tithe? A Change of Law A few years after the resurrection of Jesus, uncircumcised non-Jews were converted to Christianity. “It is necessary to circumcise them and charge them to observe the law of Moses,” some Jewish Christians contended. (Acts 15:5) Others did not agree. So Jesus’ apostles and other experienced Christians met in Jerusalem to discuss the issue. They wanted to discern God’s will. Did he require Christ’s followers to keep the Law of Moses, which included tithing? Experiences were related showing a change in God’s dealings with non-Jews, and this was verified from God’s own prophetic Word. (Acts 15:6-21) What was the decision? The meeting came to a unanimous conclusion. Christians were not to be burdened with the Law of Moses. There were, though, a few “necessary things” that must be obeyed. Was tithing one? The inspired decision read: “The holy spirit and we ourselves have favored adding no further burden to you, except these necessary things, to keep abstaining from things sacrificed to idols and from blood and from things strangled and from fornication.” (Acts 15:25, 28, 29) Interestingly, God’s law on tithing was not listed among the “necessary things” for Christians. Later, the apostle Paul explained that God’s Law covenant with Israel had been abolished by Jesus’ death. “[God] blotted out the handwritten document,” he said, “and He has taken it out of the way by nailing it to the torture stake.” (Colossians 2:14) This does not mean that Christians have no law. Rather, there has been a change of law that now involves “the law of the Christ.”—Galatians 6:2; Hebrews 7:12. The apostle Paul lived in harmony with this change of law. Though working hard in the formation of one congregation after another, he never appealed for payment in the form of tithes. Rather, he was willing to cover his own expenses by working as a tentmaker on a part-time basis. (Acts 18:3, 4) In all honesty he could say: “These hands have attended to the needs of me and of those with me.”—Acts 20:34. What guidance, then, do Christians have in the matter of giving? How much should you give? The Christian Way of Giving Jesus Christ was the most generous man to walk this earth. His example has inspired many to act generously. “Practice giving,” he said, “and people will give to you. They will pour into your laps a fine measure, pressed down, shaken together and overflowing. For with the measure that you are measuring out, they will measure out to you in return.” (Luke 6:38) Are there restrictions here? No. Christians are encouraged to give generously, which may even be more than a tenth if they can afford it.—Luke 18:22; Acts 20:35. On the other hand, a Christian might suddenly be faced with some urgent expense, perhaps due to an accident or sickness. To give a tenth of his salary under such circumstances might deprive members of his family of the necessities of life. That would be unchristian.—Matthew 15:5-9; 1 Timothy 5:8. Christian giving is voluntary. It takes into account that each individual has different circumstances in life. “If the readiness is there first,” the Bible says, “it is especially acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what a person does not have.”—2 Corinthians 8:12. How much, then, should you give? That is a question that you must resolve for yourself. The depth of your own heart appreciation for God—not some predetermined tithing formula—will determine what you give. As the Bible urges: “Let each one do just as he has resolved in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7) Tithing was a provision of the Mosaic Law covenant to support Israel’s temple and priesthood. For Christians today, it is neither commanded nor necessary.

I believe that the scriptures show that tithing was done away with at Christ death and establishment of the New Covenant. Christians were not paid for preaching. Paul, who set the example for Christian preachers, was a tent maker. There is no mention of passing a plate. They kept a donation box, to where no one knew who was giving what, unless they happenned to be nearby and looking in that direction. Here are a few links to a few scriptures on the subject. I also posted a rather lenghty article as another answer for those who like to read a little more in depth. (2Thes 3:8-10; 1Thes 2:9; 2cor 2:17; 1Pet 5:2; 1Tim 6:5-6) http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=%202Thes%203:8-10;%201Thes%202:9;%202cor%202:17;%201Pet5:2;1Tim%206:5-6;&version=31;77;50;51;49; /./ (2Cor 9:7; 2Cor 8:12; Mat 6:3-4; Eph 2:15; Mat 21:13) http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2Cor%209:7;2Cor8:12;Mat6:3-4;%20Eph2:15;%20Mat21:13;&version=31;77;50;51;49; http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/7032918

Any organization is free to set whatever dues it deems fit from its members. What I don't agree with is the practice of claiming that giving 10% of all income to your church is what the Bible says you're supposed to do, and it's a sin if you don't. Any pastor or church that says that obviously can't read - or at least doesn't want to find out what the Bible actually says on the subject. Here are links to a 2-part article I wrote on the very question. (It's on a blog I was starting a couple of years ago, but then found I ddn't have time for it.) http://x-cathedra.blogspot.com/2007/09/tithe.html http://x-cathedra.blogspot.com/2007/09/tithe-part-duh-i-mean-deux.html

Nope. It's an extortion practice started, I think, by the Catholics in the middle ages. It's proven very profitable for churches. I'd say, pay a deposit and then demand delivery of goods at which time you can pay the remainder. If they don't deliver, demand a refund with interest. +5

If you are required to tithe to be a member, that's not a Church. That's like a country club without any fun.

I don't agree with it, unless someone wants to give that amount. No one should tell anyone how much to donate to anything. No one knows what other obligations a person has in their life that would come first ... like raising their kids, etc. I think that "rule" probably ticks some people off who might have ordinarily donated at all.

I dont believe anybody that says i should just give my money to anybody. My money is mine and i shall do what i want with it and if someone else feels "obligated" to donate huge portions of their money then thats their business....just dont expect me to condone it.

That is HIGHLY unscriptural! Tithing is supposed to be voluntary. And a tithe not given 'hilariously' is a waste of money. It will NOT be acknowledged by God. That church will have much to answer for before God.

Good question...However, I thank that Texasiscimo did an excellent job answering it.

Jesus fulfilled the Law of Moses. However, tithing dates back to Abraham (if not earlier). Tithing is still in effect. Tithing means "one-tenth", so tithing should be 10%. Tithing should be given freely, without anyone but the individual, the priest, and the Lord knowing if it was given, and how much. It would also be of interest in how tithing is spent. In my sect, tithing is used for the financial needs of the Church (construction and upkeep of buildings, printing Scriptures and study guides, helping the poor, etc). A portion also goes to Church employees like teachers at Church-run schools, and our General Authorities who work full-time for the Church. Tithing should not be used to purchase the priest a $500,000 house or $50,000 vehicle. Additionally, members may directly donate to specific funds: missionary fund (finances missionaries with limited economic means), humanitarian fund (used to help disaster victims, like the earthquake in Samoa), fast offering (helps the poor with food, rent, and medical bills), education fund (helps the poor with the costs of gaining an education), temple construction fund (money used to build new temples), etc. Donations to any of these funds is voluntary.

The commandment to tithe was part of the Law that God gave to the 12 tribes of ancient Israel more than 3,500 years ago. That Law decreed that a tenth of the produce of the land and fruit trees and a tenth of the increase of the herds be given to the tribe of Levi in support of their services at the tabernacle.—Leviticus 27:30, 32; Numbers 18:21, 24. Jehovah assured the Israelites that the Law ‘would not be too difficult for them.’ (Deuteronomy 30:11) As long as they faithfully observed His commandments, including tithing, they had his promise of abundant harvests. The Law did not specify a penalty for failing to tithe, but each Israelite was under a strong moral obligation to support true worship in this way. In fact, Jehovah accused Israelites who neglected tithing in Malachi’s day of ‘robbing him in tithes and offerings.’ (Malachi 3:8, New International Version) Could the same charge be leveled at Christians who do not tithe? Well, consider. National laws are not normally valid outside a country’s borders. For example, the law that obliges motorists in Britain to drive on the left does not apply to drivers in France. Similarly, the law requiring tithing was part of an exclusive covenant between God and the nation of Israel. (Exodus 19:3-8; Psalm 147:19, 20) Only the Israelites were bound by that law. In addition, although it is true that God never changes, his requirements sometimes do. (Malachi 3:6) The Bible states categorically that the sacrificial death of Jesus, in 33 C.E., “blotted out,” or “abolished,” the Law and with it the “commandment to collect tithes.”—Colossians 2:13, 14; Ephesians 2:13-15; Hebrews 7:5, 18.

If I was on the receiving end, yes.

I agree with it in theory, assuming I agree with where the money is going (I would find that out before handing anything over or joining the church). 10% is awfully high, though. I don't think I could afford that, regardless of the cause.

As a former protestant I found the crush for money to be universally typical. As a Catholic convert I can say there is far less pressure..rarely mentioned at mass but I think everyone realizes that they are obligated to support thr Church...a big pleasant difference.

Tithing is very important for a church to be able to exist. With utility rates skyrocketing and other costs they incur to bring services to members every week, churches must be able to count on a certain amount of money being given by members. Tithing, by the dictionary's definition is "one-tenth of annual produce or earnings pledged to the church" so they are right in line with the norm. I, however, would never join a church that required it. That creeps me out. I believe that the amount you pledge to the church is between you and God. Only you and He know what you can afford, and if you honestly think you're giving enough, that's something you have to take up with him!

No organization that requires payment should be considered spiritually motivated. If the parishioners wish to donate money or services to their organization that is fine. If the organization cannot operate at the same level without tithing, they should downsize. The smaller community organizations of this type are far more capable of being an asset to their members than the huge profit generating kind.

The Church of Jesus My Saviour wants NINETY percent of your income. He wants your life, your will, your everything.

No way! I would never give 10% of my earning to church. They have enough money, priests get their own pay (at least in my country).

I don't. I give what I want to give and they can take it or leave it. The rest that I don't give to them, I give to animal charities.

When an organisation that claims to be non-profit, organizes "home missions" to "help the poor", then demands 10% of their already-struggling members' paycheck so the pastor can upgrade his fishing boat and buy his wife yet another designer handbag, it actually makes me feverishly angry.

Sounds like a Mormon practice to me. If it is, I'm sure you don't have to. Isn't it requested rather than required?

I believe in tithing 10%, but no church should "require" it. What I make is none of their business. What I tithe is between me and God.

This comes out of OT law. 10% of your income would be what you would have to give in those days (please note that there were multiple tithes, so most scholars believe the figure to actually be around 23% in total). However, in the NT, there is no reference to a specific amount. I believe it only refers to it as keeping up with income. I believe that if you are so inclined to give, then you should give whatever you believe you should. Definitely, always keeping it within your means.

if you ever had any doubt that organized religion is the con artist's version of the Big Rock Candy Mountain....

If that's OK with you ... great. However, I would never join a church that required it ... or at least required a specific percentage. First, it's none of their business how much you earn. Second, they don't know what your financial responsibilities are. I think that practice is a "scare tactic". Some people give because they're afraid what might happen if they don't.

the word "requires" takes this deep in to "WRONG" territory request, ask, beg, fine but to dictate that you HAVE TO give 10% of your earnings is just extortion

"Requires?" What is the basis of this ... requirement? In the New Testament, we are informed that everything we have comes from God. If he lays it on our hearts to donate to the poor, then we are to do so, but I know of nowhere in the Bible that states Christians are required to donate any specific proportion of their income to an organization, church or otherwise.

I know I already answered this, but had another thought. In order to know if you actually tithe 10%, they would need to know your income. How do they know this? Are you turning in pay stubs or something to the church? IMHO, if you attend a church that is that controlling.. RUN AWAY!!!!

Obviously you believe in the bible. Within the bible, it says to tithe. Do you follow the other 'requirements'? (do you cheat? steal? etc) When you began that church, you learned of it's "policies" regarding tithing. You now have the choice to agree to them, and adhere, or leave and find another church. If you applied for a credit card, and it had an interest rate of 15%, you have the opportunity to say yes, or no. You can't say no later on, just because you don't have the money to pay for it. Same with this. You have a right to find another church that only 'requests' tithing, but doesn't require it. (although, I don't know how they would uphold this...do they not let you in the door if you don't pay? do they stand over you with the basket, and wait? My husband, who is not only the child of Pastors, but has been a Pastor himself, will tell you that many churches have this requirement. C.O.G.I.C (Church Of God In Christ) churches have this requirement. I think that it is fine to require your members to do something specific, so long as they have the choice to not be a part of the church. If you think about it, how does a church pay it's bills for you to go and worship? If people don't tithe, then the Pastor & wife/husband end up footing the bill. That can be something that can become unaffordable, and a church might end up closing. My cousin & her husband started a church, that much of my family attends, and through the tithing, they are not only able to keep the church open, but run programs, and other things that could not be done otherwise. While you may not like being TOLD to tithe... it's still a very necessary part of worshiping... imagine if no one did. I won't ask how many churches there would be, since you can have church on a park bench... but how many would have walls & a roof? How many would have all the things you've come to recognize as being a sacred part of service? Not many.... Just my couple pennies!!

its sad to see that christians even prey on their own followers . who is safe from them ? look at the hit list , see if you are on it http://www.evilbible.com/Murder.htm

In the bible God only authorized Levite priests to collect tithes. There are no more Levite priests so there is no one with the standing to collect them. If your church requires tithing it is committing fraud upon its' members.

No I do not, but it seems at least a little less crass than a practice I've seen in a local church: It does not pass an offering plate, the offering plate is placed upon the altar at the front of the church and the attendees carry their offering to it, holding it above their heads all the way.

No. A mandatory tithe defeats the purpose. It is supposed to be given freely so that God may bless you for it. Making it a requirement turns it into a legalistic parody of God's offer.

in christian affiliation has these it was stated in the bible that you should tithe 10% but not all do and I personally feel that time served with the church during functions and stuff is a form of tithing...time is money...but this is not "mandatory" by everyone to give this 10%

Sounds like a few people are getting very very rich.

I don't believe in a requirement of a certain amount to tithe. And the Church wonders why people aren't attending Mass...

I attended a church where the pastor said during the sermon if you didn't attend regularly or tithe faithfully he would not have time to you if you need to discuss anything.

My ex does this, yet he cannot afford to pay the maximum he should in child support! Go figure! He also was trying to make our daughter tithe her birthday money, christmas money and what not. I put my foot down. She no longer attends this church. Daddy still doesn't pay what he should in child support but hey, at least he is a good christian and assuring his place in heaven right?? It's WRONG! If you feel you want to give you can but being told how much and that you have to is just plain old wrong!

I do not like the idea. But church attendance is voluntary. So if it were a problem, I personally would switch churches.

Churches don't require 10%; they may ask that you give that amount based on scripture. If they present it in a way that makes you feel you are obligated by anything other than your own conscience I would look for another Church community.