Should children tithe out of their pocket money?

*Miau* said:

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Should children tithe?

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Honestly, when one starts talking about taking kids candy money it would seem like a good time to find another church. Any money children have comes from their parents, who in theory should have already "tithed" on it.

Is it right to "double tithe"?

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It's not right to tithe at all, you need to give as much as you are able as per the standard Jesus gives us in Scripture. The widow didn't tithe when she put her two mites in, but she did give all she had. That was accounted much greater to her than the rich men paying the full 10 percent, but in reality it cost them nothing. If you can give 80 percent you should happily give it away. If you can only give 3 percent then that's all you can give. God knows what he has given each of us, and if to support yourself in a reasonable manner doesn't leave ten percent then it doesn't.

Should students tithe when they have no real income?

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See above

Should you tithe out of your student loan?

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No, it's not even your money. Scripture warns us against going into debt at all. Increasing our debt to give the money away is merely adding to the problems of going into debt at all.
If you are talking about state aid grants that are common in Europe, that is different. In that case, if you can afford it then do it.

You, as a New Covenant priest of God, a believer, a Member of the Body of Christ, are not commanded anywhere in the Bible to "tithe" anything at all. Churches commanding tithes are preaching blatantly false doctrines. You should depart from these lies as quickly as possible.

Repeat: There is no teaching in the Bible whatsoever commanding or even encouraging a member of the Body of Christ to "tithe" to a "church". Church people swear it's in there.....but go and see for yourself. The Levitical tithe was never money and never will be money. The Levitical tithe had to be brought to Jerusalem to the temple. A Levitical system of priesthood has to exist in order for a "tithe" to be valid. Hebrews tells us that the Levitical priesthood has been superceded by the priesthood of Melchizedek, ie not from Levi. The Old Covenant law of tithing has been fulfilled and is no longer a valid command. If you're going to go back to one of the OT laws, you'd better be keeping all of them, including circumcising, Sabbath keeping ( seventh day ), wearing blue tassels, sacrificing animals, etc.

Church tithing is a false teaching.

Get your Strong's Concordance out and study all the instances of the word "tithe", "tithes", "tithing"...and see if this even vaguely resembles what the "church" is teaching you. I assure you, it doesn't. But see for yourself.

Get rid of the wicked guilt-trip that is being heaped on you by false teachers using the "law of tithing."

God bless!

StevenL said:

Get rid of the wicked guilt-trip that is being heaped on you by false teachers using the "law of tithing."

God bless!

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However, let's not forget that the NT standard of giving is a lot more demanding.

OnTheWay said:

However, let's not forget that the NT standard of giving is a lot more demanding.

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Yes let's do forget that. And get out of the "demanding", guilt trip mindset.

Unless we can find some "demanding" giving scriputures. Sorry, I haven't found anything "demanding" concerning giving in the NT letters. And, I've found zero Scriptures about giving money to a "church" in the NT letters.

OnTheWay said:

However, let's not forget that the NT standard of giving is a lot more demanding.

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True. This principle is discussed in 2 Cor 9:7. It did have a specific context (giving to the needs of the Jerusalem congregation, whom Paul collected money for), but if your congregation needs money, then you ought to give if it is put on your heart.

A requirement of any specific tithe (a tenth) would be deceit, as, as was said, there is no working Levitical priesthood (and as was said, the tithe wasn't money). But a minister asking for the abundance of his assembly should not be denied support through whatever means.

As scripture says,

[bible]Deuteronomy 25:4[/bible]

***EDIT***

And if anyone does not know what this means, it means you shouldn't withold the needs of those who minister to you.

I would also like to add that although Paul personally did not use this to his advantage (for the gospel's sake as he considers it in his case) he did not prohibit the giving to spiritual leaders:

[bible]1 Corinthians 9:11-14[/bible]

Actually, Paul specifically said in 2 Cor. that his encouragement to give was NOT a command. Let's read what is actually written. And....the people in 2 Cor. were NOT giving to pay a preacher or pay for a church building. They were giving to brothers and sisters IN NEED.

You should teach your children to give to others out of LOVE when they see that someone is in NEED.

Since it is impossible to Biblically "tithe" today, it is therefore impossible to "double tithe". What an abomination. A "tithe" is, by definition, a tenth.

Since no law of tithing exists today, a student does not have to "tithe." A believing student should give as he or she is led by the Holy Spirit. And give cheerfully as we are instructed by the apostle....as you see a NEED.

StevenL said:

Actually, Paul specifically said in 2 Cor. that his encouragement to give was NOT a command. Let's read what is actually written. And....the people in 2 Cor. were NOT giving to pay a preacher or pay for a church building. They were giving to brothers and sisters IN NEED.

You should teach your children to give to others out of LOVE when they see that someone is in NEED.

Since it is impossible to Biblically "tithe" today, it is therefore impossible to "double tithe". What an abomination. A "tithe" is, by definition, a tenth.

Since no law of tithing exists today, a student does not have to "tithe." A believing student should give as he or she is led by the Holy Spirit. And give cheerfully as we are instructed by the apostle....as you see a NEED.

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Actually, I can read what is written well and would like to quote myself:

if your congregation needs money, then you ought to give if it is put on your heart.

A requirement of any specific tithe (a tenth) would be deceit, as, as was said, there is no working Levitical priesthood (and as was said, the tithe wasn't money). But a minister asking for the abundance of his assembly should not be denied support through whatever means.

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I never said he commanded anything. The scripture I quoted (2 Cor 9:7) says not to give out of necessity.

Please read over what I said again...

In dealing with this speific case, and it is common in the wide world of protestantism, we have to look at a prime factor which is need. Does any church need a building that costs 7 million Pounds Stirling (10 million USD)? If a church needed that kind of a building they would have such a large parish there would be no problem raising the money. If double and greater giving is being demanded more likely than not it's about want. An even better solution might be to create several smaller parishes that can focus more on individual needs.
Giving is a great thing, however, if you are giving so that your pastor can have a fancy house, a nice car, and a really nifty church it is misplaced to say the least.

*Miau* said:

I serve in the children-teaching ministry in my church, and our children pastor, as well as the leaders of the church, are of the belief that we should get the children to tithe 10% of their pocket money - ie if they get £1, we will collect 10p from them on a sunday morning. Is that biblical? I don't feel right about it, and it's making me feel rather uncomfortable, because something is telling me it's wrong... any thoughts?

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My personal belief is that children should tithe - BUT it is not the church or the Sunday school who should be having them do it. My parents raised me as a tither, and I saw little-girl-sized miracles as a result of it. I remember bringing my tithe to a church we visited, and the Sunday school teacher was so impressed that she gave me a Bible! I had wanted a new Bible, because all I had at the time was the "children's" TLB, and I wanted something "more." God did "open the windows of Heaven" and give me a blessing that day! I think this is one of those areas in which it is the parents' responsibility to raise godly kids - not to drop off their kids at Sunday school and expect them to do everything. For children whose parents are unfortunately not believers - I think we should teach tithing as a concept and pray for the child to "get it" - not collect tithes as if they were some kind of tax....

Also, the my church presented a new vision they have received from God the other week about a new, much bigger, church building, and now they are asking people to DOUBLE TITHE - ie at least 20% of their gross income, PLUS they are going to take up miracle offerings in order to pay for this new £7 000 000 building they are envisioning. How can they ask us to Double tithe??

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I absolutely, positively do NOT believe in asking others to "double-tithe" - there's no such thing! But I think it's okay to give opportunity for free-will offerings..... I cannot say whether your church needs a much bigger building or not, and I'm not up on how much those things cost - I just think that we all need to listen to the Holy Spirit on these things and obey HIM. If you find yourself disobeying your leadership, it might be time to find a fellowship whose vision you can get behind 100%.

Me and my husband are both students at a university. We have no jobs, however we get a small grant each month which is not big enough to see us through the month, so we have to dig into our studentloan. Yet the church is telling us that students MUST tithe as well as other people... So, is it right to tithe when you're in debt? Should you tithe out of a loan?

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I think it's debatable - and you should live with a clear conscience before God. If you cannot agree with your leadership..... see above......

The church is very manipulating about tithing. They spend about 7-10 minutes each week preaching on it before passing the buckets around. And it feels like we're getting the guilt-treatment.

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That's not right. I like what my pastors say - "If you think we're just after your money -- KEEP IT."

blessings
tal

I'm not going to quote alot of scripture to back what I'm going to say. I think it's a good thing to have a child tith his/her money. You know train up a child thing. It much hard to train an adult.

If you raise your children on false doctrines and claim that what you're teaching them is a Biblical command, you're just setting them up for deceit in every other area down the road.

*Miau* said:

I serve in the children-teaching ministry in my church, and our children pastor, as well as the leaders of the church, are of the belief that we should get the children to tithe 10% of their pocket money - ie if they get £1, we will collect 10p from them on a sunday morning. Is that biblical? I don't feel right about it, and it's making me feel rather uncomfortable, because something is telling me it's wrong... any thoughts?

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Listen to the voice telling you it's wrong! IMO, the Holy Spirit is giving you a warning.

I don't think there's anything wrong with teaching children good habits...to teach them from a young age to give freely from their hearts, to share with others, etc, are good lessons to teach. But to demand 10% of a child's pocket money is WRONG, WRONG, WRONG! Children are not responsible for upkeep and maintenance of a church building or for a pastor's salary. Children have no choice in which church they go to, they have no way of knowing if they are supporting false teachings. They should not be made financially accountable for those things. If you want to teach them to give...show them how to give to society in a real way. Allow them to experience the blessing from giving as well...When the church demands 10% from children, they are robbing from them, imho.

I, like others here, believe that the concept of tithing as preached in churches today is a false teaching and rooted in greed. We are to give: "Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7.) But it shouldn't be compelled. Compelling children to give up their pocket money to pay the church's bills is unconscionable, imo.

I agree that it is a good idea to teach a child to tithe.... my parents never instilled that in me... they gave their tithe, but never explained or taught it to me or my sister. Now that I'm on my own I find it difficult to train myself to be a tither, I'm getting better, but it is difficult. I also agree that the church shouldn't get onto the kids for tithing or not, but it is the responsibility of the parents to teach their children about it.

Wavy said:

Please read over what I said again...

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I did so. Someone said....."the NT standard of giving is a lot more demanding"

You said, "True. This principle is discussed...."

There is no "demanding" principle discussed there. Is there a difference between a "demand" and a "command"?

2 Cor. 8:8 I speak not by commandment, but I am testing the sincerity of your love by the diligence of others.

2 Cor. 9:7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.

However, these verses have NOTHING to do with "tithing".

I'm not going to quote alot of scripture to back what I'm going to say. I think it's a good thing to have a child tith his/her money. You know train up a child thing. It much hard to train an adult.

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Perfect recipe for deception and delusion.

*Miau* said:

(I know there's just been a long thread on tithing in here, and I've just read it all, but this falls sort of outside the main tithing questions.)

I serve in the children-teaching ministry in my church, and our children pastor, as well as the leaders of the church, are of the belief that we should get the children to tithe 10% of their pocket money - ie if they get £1, we will collect 10p from them on a sunday morning. Is that biblical? I don't feel right about it, and it's making me feel rather uncomfortable, because something is telling me it's wrong... any thoughts?

Also, the my church presented a new vision they have received from God the other week about a new, much bigger, church building, and now they are asking people to DOUBLE TITHE - ie at least 20% of their gross income, PLUS they are going to take up miracle offerings in order to pay for this new £7 000 000 building they are envisioning. How can they ask us to Double tithe??

Me and my husband are both students at a university. We have no jobs, however we get a small grant each month which is not big enough to see us through the month, so we have to dig into our studentloan. Yet the church is telling us that students MUST tithe as well as other people... So, is it right to tithe when you're in debt? Should you tithe out of a loan?

The church is very manipulating about tithing. They spend about 7-10 minutes each week preaching on it before passing the buckets around. And it feels like we're getting the guilt-treatment.

So what do you think? I'd really appreciate your help on this, as it's really bugging me, and not in a good way. Thank you and God Bless.


Should children tithe?

Is it right to "double tithe"?

Should students tithe when they have no real income?

Should you tithe out of your student loan?

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You are asking great questions... First of all, let me just say that I went to a church for two years that was exactly like you explained your church to be. They have this new vision, but they need a lot of your money to do it and so they preach for a long time about tithing and manipulate you into giving... It feel gross and is not the way we should feel when we give... I feel your pain and confusion, and wanted to let you know that first off...

So, this is the bottom line in giving. Tithing is an OT command and we are no longer required to give 10% because we are in a new convenant with Christ. If you want to give that much, thats great, however God would appreciate it just as much if you gave $20 and were so very happy to give it rather than a double tithe (which I think is totally wrong) out of guilt. God loves a cheerful giver and if you can give cheerfully, that's all that God asks for. Whether $20 of $20 million, be cheerful when you give.

To answer your questions how I see them I would say....

1: No, children should not tithe.... They too, can learn to give cheerfully. Teach them how to share, but not to give every week, "or else". Forcing and teaching them to tithe could produce the same guilt that pastors put on their congregations... Let kids be kids and learn for themselves about how it feels good to give when you are glad to do it...

2: It is only right to give above and beyond (double tithing) if you feel like you can do that with a glad spirit. It's meaningless if you are forced. Giving out of guilt is the wrong intention.

3: Students with no income only have to give if they can do so cheerfully. I also think that giving of your time, and energy is just as valuable. If you can't give money as a student (which is very valid), give your time. That is just as honorable...

4: I absolutely would NOT tithe out of a student loan. That is for school and I think a dishonest use of what has been given to you for a certain purpose; school. You can give in other ways....


I hope that helps a little bit! Good luck with all of your questions!

When I was growing up, any money I gave in sunday school and church was given to me by my mother. If I didn't have any money, I just didn't put anything in. I was taught to 'give'. This was usually 25 cent or 1 dollar.
My advise is that you don't give 20 percent of your income. You need to help yourself first. I am a student at college too. I don't work a job so no one say anything when I give $1 weekly.
I bet some of the other people don't even give 20 percent of their income. I bet they give less than 5 percents, like just $5.

Don't fall into guilt treatment.

StevenL said:

I did so. Someone said....."the NT standard of giving is a lot more demanding"

You said, "True. This principle is discussed...."

There is no "demanding" principle discussed there. Is there a difference between a "demand" and a "command"?

2 Cor. 8:8 I speak not by commandment, but I am testing the sincerity of your love by the diligence of others.

2 Cor. 9:7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.

However, these verses have NOTHING to do with "tithing".

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Well, I understood what was said differently. I thought he was saying that giving (not tithing) had a weightier significance to it (giving of the heart, not just because you have to). Maybe I read wrong or misunderstood him, but regardless, my point is clear from my post.

And I know Corinthians has nothing to do with tithing. There is nothing like that in my post. Please read again. I was talking, like otw was, about giving.

Pressuring children to tithe is a classless unchristian act. This should be a matter between the children, their parents and the Lord. Tithing is a principle that should be taught (by parents), but children should never be pressured by the church.

By what authority does the church impose a "double tithe".?Where is the scriptural support for this? A tithe is exacly what it says-10%. Anything above that should come as a freewill offering. (even the tithe should come by means of free will, not compulsion). Our giving is a matter between us and God, sounds like you have a greedy, presumptous, church board. They may have good intentions, but it sounds like they are motivated by greed, not the spirit.