Comments on: To Tithe Or Not To Tithe?

Sunday Morning: A Spirited Debate Over The Power Of Giving In The Lives Of Believers

[mediabrat60]

I left the Catholic church years ago for obvious reasons but resumed church going recently. Because of my warped teachings of the bible back then i read it again, over and over.
There are some things that still apply today;
Favor and tithing.

Favor is about, '' give God this and God will give you that." This isn''t about money, this is about serving and being blessed. God wants us to give, with all of our heart, mind and soul.

In Malachi he says, "test me on this", about tithing.
Favor and tithing go hand in hand.
People who test Him in tithing but do not receive abundance in return are not practicing the rest.

I will say this, no where in the Bible does it state that a church has the right to demand tithing or kick someone out.

[bobnjersey]

[and if you do I am sorry that I am fighting for your freedom of speach!!!! ]
[Posted by tjcook19 at 09:41 AM : Mar 02, 2008]

is that what they told ya you were ''fighting'' for?

[llholly]

Giving kiosks are not what God intended for his creation called man. It is a swift way to mock God''s word and draw out the ignorance of this church''s flock. This is truly a modern day devil reincarnate. To make the focus of this church how much and how easily you can give and suggest: God doesn''t fund the church through bingo nights, pancake suppers and chicken dinners," Baker says. "God funds the church through people willing to commit to the tithe." is an obvious attempt by this pastor to provide an interstate to improve his bottom line and to forget and ignore the core principals of the bible to love thy neighbor as thyself. You must have social events to provide an opportunity for people to socialize. How easy to throw a check or a debit card transaction in the plate, give a donation, pat yourself on the back and say, "I am a Christian cause I gave to the kiosk." What about giving of yourself and truly building and supporting your community. This does not happen at the kiosk, it happens at the flipping of the pancake.

This pastor needs to take a hard look in the mirror and ask himself, did I chose my path in life to have it lead to a kiosk or to lead my congregation to a better life!

[tjcook19]

Well I am a proud american serving our country in Korea right now, my grandpa was a preacher, and I have very much respect for the church right now. I haven''t tithed in a long time, I have not been to church in 6 years more then 4 times, but you complaining about tithing you have no right. The church does alot of good things with the money, and because of only a few bad apples you complain. That is like hating germans because of Hitler, Whites because of KKK, Mexicans because of gangs, Blacks because of Black Panthers, and so on. Eaither way you cant hate everyone because of a few bad choices made by a few ppl that are from the same area. and if you do I am sorry that I am fighting for your freedom of speach!!!!

[rlraasch]

When I was a child (I''am now 48) my family and I were members of a Methodist Church in Central Ohio. My mother was a stay at home mom , as most of the mothers during that time. My dad was a over the road truck driver and he was gone about all week. On Sunday we looked forward to going to church as a family. Now during that time My parents diden''t have a lot but we never wanted for much as we were rich in love as a family. My parents received a letter from our church that told my parents this. If they did not tithe we were going to be removed form the church roster. How dare they do this to my parents. They gave what they could and no less. I have never felt the same towards the Methodist Church.

[edechant]

I do not pay tithes nor am I a member of any church. Although I was a member of a fundamental church for many years. That is my personal decision, and right. Why do people who preach religious freedom continually argue the beliefs of others? Especially towards those who have strong commitments to a religion/ideology. Our interpretation of the Bible is a personal choice that obviously differs. If someone wants to tithe, it''s their choice, their right. Whether they''re listening to another persons'' dictates or their own. Those who do not believe it''s biblical, necessary or appropriate should not pay tithes, and should stop being hypocritical by attempting to dictate to those who decide that they wish to. It goes two ways.

[dirtman902]

Again you have left out part of the story. I know some of the people that you did this story on. Yeah they have a Billionare life style, but you did not ask how they got to that point. Kenneth and Creflo are very successful business men as well. The houses and cars were bought personally and have no ties to the church. They invest personally in realestate and other business because they take very little from the church. I know this because I am personally involved in a lot of this type of work. I will gladly give my tithe because it gives help to others. The church does more for the community than even the federal government.

[itgranny]

One more reason why people are fleeing the church.

[omega39-2009]

I''m too broke from "tithing" at the gas pump.