Tithing and rationalizing....

[Mulutka]

I was reading Defens0rFidei's notes for Lent and came across the part about giving almsgiving, which made me think about my lack of 10% tithing. I'll give my church money but not the full 10% since I'm still in school... am I rationalizing sin? Or is this okay?

Another question is, I used to sponsor a little girl via World Vision. Saddly, I had to stop because I just couldn't handle the financial stress ontop of a full school load (this was after a couple of years of sponsoring). But I want to sponsor one again after March: then I wont have to worry about finances as much. I was wondering if sponsoring a child could replace my obligation to tithe... or may be let me off the full 10% tithing. Am I just looking for loop holes here, or is this way of thinking okay?

 

[Dominus Fidelis]

I think the idea is to follow the spirit of the law, not the letter of the law. Give what you feel called to give and dont worry about it.

 

[ps139]

Yeah, do not worry Bethany.

A few weeks ago the priest at my parish gave a sermon on tithing. He said that of the 10%, 5% is allowable for other charitable causes.
Also, it says in the Bible to "give cheerfully." If you cannot afford 10%, and it would make you less cheerful in life (i.e. more stress because you cannot afford important things) then give what you can. You can "make up for it" later if you start making some real dough.
If I ever start making a lot, I want to increase my tithe to at least 15 or 20/%, instead of buying myself a Lexus.

 

[Aaron-Aggie]

You also must consider the other ways you give of yourself to the lord

 

[geocajun]

We are not bound to the mosaic law of tithing 10%, but we should tithe. Most parishes ask 5-6%, mine asks 6% but throws in free Catholic Schooling for it
Generally speaking, how much you tithe is up to you.

 

[seebs]

My impression from reading the fine print is that the 10% tithe "to the Lord" is only given to the church every three years in the OT. I think this depends on circumstances somewhat; if your parish is poor and scrambling for money, it's a likely candidate to get some extra money. If you go to a church which is rolling in dough (inexplicably, there are some), you might want to look further afield.

Most of my charity goes straight to people I know who are out of work. Seems practical enough.

 

[Mulutka]

Thanks for clarrifying this for me everyone. I've been worried about this lately.

Oh, btw ps139--> my dad has a Lexus!!!! ( )
(but he's sacrificed a lot for his family and also been an amazing steward for God. I'm just giving you a hard time. heh heh heh).