swasat
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 13, 2011 9:34:28 GMT -5
Posts: 3,735
|
Post by swasat on Jan 8, 2015 15:43:46 GMT -5
Would you? If you lost your job, had no income but some savings?
Is it even allowed by church?
Went to my hair stylist this morning. Her DD lost her job. She used to make about $45K/year and was big on tithing 10%, so about $500/month. She lost her job 4 months ago and is collecting unemployment. But she still tithes....same amount.....taking that much money from her $16K savings.
Aren't you supposed to tithe only from earned income? I am in no way into religion, so please correct me if I am wrong.
ETA: Since there is a lot of confusion about "savings". The DD in question only has $16K saved in a savings account. She is 30 yo. No retirement, no home, no other assets. $16K is IT.
|
|
ArchietheDragon
Junior Associate
Joined: Jul 7, 2014 14:29:23 GMT -5
Posts: 6,380
|
Post by ArchietheDragon on Jan 8, 2015 15:45:18 GMT -5
"Thou shalt tithe until you can tithe no more" was the 11'th commandment.
|
|
Angel!
Senior Associate
Politics Admin
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 11:44:08 GMT -5
Posts: 10,722
|
Post by Angel! on Jan 8, 2015 15:45:41 GMT -5
I don't know if there are really rules on this, but I certainly would consider this something discretionary to cut during a time of unemployment.
|
|
swamp
Community Leader
THEY’RE EATING THE DOGS!!!!!!!
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 16:03:22 GMT -5
Posts: 45,622
|
Post by swamp on Jan 8, 2015 15:45:54 GMT -5
I don't tithe now, so i can't see me doing it if i don't have any income.
|
|
Sam_2.0
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 15:42:45 GMT -5
Posts: 12,350
|
Post by Sam_2.0 on Jan 8, 2015 15:47:07 GMT -5
I am assuming she would have "tithed" to begin with before putting that money into savings? If not, that may be why she continues to give at the rate she was. Also depends on the type of church she goes to, they may have a monthly pledge (our denomination does not do this but I am aware of others that do).
There's no rule that says it only has to be earned income. I've done it on gifts before, and also not done it on gifts. IMO, but it's more of a personal thing as to when and how you do it. True "tithe" is a 10% and setup according to the Old Testatment customs.
|
|
imawino
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 17, 2010 22:58:16 GMT -5
Posts: 5,370
|
Post by imawino on Jan 8, 2015 15:47:09 GMT -5
Would you? If you lost your job, had no income but some savings?
Is it even allowed by church?
Went to my hair stylist this morning. Her DD lost her job. She used to make about $45K/year and was big on tithing 10%, so about $500/month. She lost her job 4 months ago and is collecting unemployment. But she still tithes....same amount.....taking that much money from her $16K savings.
Aren't you supposed to tithe only from earned income? I am in no way into religion, so please correct me if I am wrong.
Wow. Take this for what's it worth, considering I am a heathen and all - but that is one of the stupidest financial decisions I have heard of. That $16k savings isn't going to last all that long.
|
|
swasat
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 13, 2011 9:34:28 GMT -5
Posts: 3,735
|
Post by swasat on Jan 8, 2015 15:49:51 GMT -5
|
|
sesfw
Junior Associate
Today is the first day of the rest of my life
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 15:45:17 GMT -5
Posts: 6,268
|
Post by sesfw on Jan 8, 2015 15:56:58 GMT -5
As far as I know tithing is yearly earned assets. The savings was after tithe dollars so shouldn't be part of this.
There are some churches that 'demand' pledges be honored and people have done it. Then after everything is lost the church will take care of them to a certain extend.
Not my cup of tea.
|
|
Abby Normal
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 22, 2010 12:31:49 GMT -5
Posts: 3,501
|
Post by Abby Normal on Jan 8, 2015 15:59:04 GMT -5
I know someone who is 72- no retirement savings and living in section 8 housing. She still tithe's 10% of her social security because she feels she should.
It's just THAT important to some people.
|
|
lurkyloo
Junior Associate
“Time means nothing now,” said Toad. “It is just the thing that happens between snacks.”
Joined: Jan 8, 2011 11:26:56 GMT -5
Posts: 6,065
|
Post by lurkyloo on Jan 8, 2015 16:01:20 GMT -5
You're reminding me that I didn't make my usual annual contribution to the humane society DH offered to do it, but I'm guessing he didn't get around to it. That I feel guilty about. Churches on the other hand ought to understand reduced circumstances. If she must tithe, can't she do it based on her unemployment amount rather than her previous salary?
|
|
swasat
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 13, 2011 9:34:28 GMT -5
Posts: 3,735
|
Post by swasat on Jan 8, 2015 16:03:40 GMT -5
If she must tithe, can't she do it based on her unemployment amount rather than her previous salary?
No clue. I am totally religion agnostic so I have no idea how this works in various churches.
But $500/month is a huge amount to be donating for an unemployed.
|
|
Bob Ross
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 14:48:03 GMT -5
Posts: 5,883
|
Post by Bob Ross on Jan 8, 2015 16:16:43 GMT -5
Would you? If you lost your job, had no income but some savings?
Is it even allowed by church?
Went to my hair stylist this morning. Her DD lost her job. She used to make about $45K/year and was big on tithing 10%, so about $500/month. She lost her job 4 months ago and is collecting unemployment. But she still tithes....same amount.....taking that much money from her $16K savings.
Aren't you supposed to tithe only from earned income? I am in no way into religion, so please correct me if I am wrong.
Wow. Take this for what's it worth, considering I am a heathen and all - but that is one of the stupidest financial decisions I have heard of. That $16k savings isn't going to last all that long. Pfft. God needs money more than you do.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 11, 2024 10:19:58 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 8, 2015 16:20:19 GMT -5
That's pretty stupid. Even if you are a firm believer in the tithe, it's 10% of your wages, not 10% of what you used to make at one time.
|
|
Sam_2.0
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 15:42:45 GMT -5
Posts: 12,350
|
Post by Sam_2.0 on Jan 8, 2015 16:21:15 GMT -5
There are really a lot of variables here, and no way to determine why she is still contributing at this time. Most likely comes down to - she wants to. Did her mom give you the exact amount? Is it possible she is contributing less but her mom isn't aware of that? We all have different priorities with our finances, and this is clearly one for her.
*full disclosure - we did stop our contributions while I was on maternity leave. No one at church has said anything, even though I know there are a couple of people that keep the books that would know. We will catch it up as we are able to because it's something that is important for us.
|
|
imawino
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 17, 2010 22:58:16 GMT -5
Posts: 5,370
|
Post by imawino on Jan 8, 2015 16:27:43 GMT -5
Wow. Take this for what's it worth, considering I am a heathen and all - but that is one of the stupidest financial decisions I have heard of. That $16k savings isn't going to last all that long. Pfft. God needs money more than you do. Aren't hookers and blow free in heaven?? If not, why do people think it's some kind of paradise
|
|
Bob Ross
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 14:48:03 GMT -5
Posts: 5,883
|
Post by Bob Ross on Jan 8, 2015 16:30:30 GMT -5
Pfft. God needs money more than you do. Aren't hookers and blow free in heaven?? If not, why do people think it's some kind of paradise Well, there's the cost of beard bleach, cloud fluffer, sandal wax, harp polish...the list goes on and on.
|
|
Blonde Granny
Junior Associate
Joined: Jan 15, 2013 8:27:13 GMT -5
Posts: 6,919
Today's Mood: Alone in the world
Location: Wandering Aimlessly
Mini-Profile Name Color: 28e619
Mini-Profile Text Color: 3a9900
|
Post by Blonde Granny on Jan 8, 2015 16:31:05 GMT -5
Just a heads up....as long as this thread stays on the financial part of tithing it can stay here in YMOT. If it wanders off into discussing scripture etc. it will be moved to the Religion forum.
Carry on.....
|
|
imawino
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 17, 2010 22:58:16 GMT -5
Posts: 5,370
|
Post by imawino on Jan 8, 2015 16:35:12 GMT -5
Aren't hookers and blow free in heaven?? If not, why do people think it's some kind of paradise Well, there's the cost of beard bleach, cloud fluffer, sandal wax, harp polish...the list goes on and on. 10% of income can buy a lot of Just for Men!
Does this work:
www.ispot.tv/ad/7wz1/just-for-men-mustache-and-beard-the-standouts
darn it, I really just wanted to put a picture of the harp guy.
|
|
swamp
Community Leader
THEY’RE EATING THE DOGS!!!!!!!
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 16:03:22 GMT -5
Posts: 45,622
|
Post by swamp on Jan 8, 2015 16:37:34 GMT -5
Just a heads up....as long as this thread stays on the financial part of tithing it can stay here in YMOT. If it wanders off into discussing scripture etc. it will be moved to the Religion forum. Carry on..... what if we take it the hookers, blow, and cloud fluffers direction?
|
|
Peace Of Mind
Senior Associate
[font color="#8f2520"]~ Drinks Well With Others ~[/font]
Joined: Dec 17, 2010 16:53:02 GMT -5
Posts: 15,554
Location: Paradise
|
Post by Peace Of Mind on Jan 8, 2015 16:38:51 GMT -5
How else will she get into heaven?!
|
|
swasat
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 13, 2011 9:34:28 GMT -5
Posts: 3,735
|
Post by swasat on Jan 8, 2015 16:40:27 GMT -5
There are really a lot of variables here, and no way to determine why she is still contributing at this time. Most likely comes down to - she wants to. Did her mom give you the exact amount? Is it possible she is contributing less but her mom isn't aware of that? We all have different priorities with our finances, and this is clearly one for her. *full disclosure - we did stop our contributions while I was on maternity leave. No one at church has said anything, even though I know there are a couple of people that keep the books that would know. We will catch it up as we are able to because it's something that is important for us. Yes Sam. Mom is not happy about it. She does not mind tithing at all. But is not happy her 30yo old DD is depleting her meager savings so rapidly. In her words..." I would'nt mind one bit if she had 50K saved and was tithing from that. But she gets $700 in unemployment, which doesn't even cover her food and rent bills. So she is depleting her savings for living expenses AND taking out $500 for tithing on top of that."
|
|
mroped
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 17, 2014 17:36:56 GMT -5
Posts: 3,453
|
Post by mroped on Jan 8, 2015 16:42:34 GMT -5
The tithe is specified in the Old Testament as a "due to God". Was supposed to be used to help the needy and the poor. Was suposed to be a 10th from your income. So I'd assume since she has no income then she doesn't need to pay any. Now she fits into the needy and the poor category. Unless she's trying to "buy her way to Heaven"! Durring Medieval Ages the Catholic Church started pushing the issue more and more in order to suport the extravagant lifestyle that the Church heads were leading. They got to the point that the church would ask from you for certain amounts of money as a "way to get to Heaven". Most wealthy people did it. That's when Martin Luther came around and we all know what hapened.
|
|
Tiny
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 29, 2010 21:22:34 GMT -5
Posts: 13,490
Member is Online
|
Post by Tiny on Jan 8, 2015 16:44:24 GMT -5
I don't tithe - I'm an atheist - but I do have charitable institutions that I contribute to. If I lost my job, I would stop contributing. I'm of the stong opinion that you "secure your own oxygen mask first".
I now think that there is a lot of 'emotion' wrapped up in doing a tithe (or just making regular contributions to one's church). I have a friend, who's health is bad, has been out of work for 3 years and who is on the path to destitution but who insists on contributing to her Church. She also gets a ton of mail with requests from money from the charities she supported when she was working. She's cut back her 'charitable' checks to once a year but experiences alot of anxiety and grief and guilt when she has to deal with the never ending mail requests for more donations. She still gives money to her church - pretty much for the same reason - it hurts less emotionally to give $$ than to not. She'd rather starve or maybe forgo medication than suffer the 'bad feelings' of guilt, anxiety, not being able to do her duty, feelings of being unable to reciprocate, etc. generated by not giving the Church something.
Yes, my friend is an extreme example - but it does kind of illustrate the 'bad feelings' that can be generated by NOT contributing when you feel you MUST reciprocate or you MUST always do your 'duty' or be a failure -- even if you can't or shouldn't.
|
|
Blonde Granny
Junior Associate
Joined: Jan 15, 2013 8:27:13 GMT -5
Posts: 6,919
Today's Mood: Alone in the world
Location: Wandering Aimlessly
Mini-Profile Name Color: 28e619
Mini-Profile Text Color: 3a9900
|
Post by Blonde Granny on Jan 8, 2015 16:47:19 GMT -5
Just a heads up....as long as this thread stays on the financial part of tithing it can stay here in YMOT. If it wanders off into discussing scripture etc. it will be moved to the Religion forum. Carry on..... what if we take it the hookers, blow, and cloud fluffers direction? Today is making my hair hurt, if you take it that far Swamp, I'm calling mmhmm and I'll got take some Extra Strength Tylenol.
|
|
Pants
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 27, 2010 19:26:44 GMT -5
Posts: 7,579
|
Post by Pants on Jan 8, 2015 16:49:25 GMT -5
In the early WIR/YM days I spent a lot of time trying to get people who were truly on the road to financial ruin to cut or cut back on tithing. It never worked. I learned that to some people, that money is more important than their mortgage, or their groceries.
We rarely get budgets around here any more, but when we do and there's a tithe I leave it alone. Not gonna change it, not gonna waste my time.
|
|
hoops902
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 22, 2010 13:21:29 GMT -5
Posts: 11,978
|
Post by hoops902 on Jan 8, 2015 17:16:46 GMT -5
The tithing "rule" is whatever someone happens to make up. The closest piece about 10 percent is basically a guy who says "I'll give God 10%", nothing about other people should do it or anything. Nothing about God commanding it.
People and organizations just make it up from there. Someone could believe they're supposed to hack off 10% of their hair and give it. Who knows how people interpret things.
|
|
weltschmerz
Community Leader
Joined: Jul 25, 2011 13:37:39 GMT -5
Posts: 38,962
|
Post by weltschmerz on Jan 8, 2015 17:23:38 GMT -5
As far as I know tithing is yearly earned assets. The savings was after tithe dollars so shouldn't be part of this.
There are some churches that 'demand' pledges be honored and people have done it. Then after everything is lost the church will take care of them to a certain extend.
Not my cup of tea. I read of a case where a church refused to have a funeral service for one of their parishioners, because she stopped tithing. She was in a coma.
|
|
busymom
Distinguished Associate
Why is the rum always gone? Oh...that's why.
Joined: Dec 25, 2010 21:09:36 GMT -5
Posts: 29,241
Mini-Profile Background: {"image":"https://cdn.nickpic.host/images/IPauJ5.jpg","color":""}
Mini-Profile Name Color: 0D317F
Mini-Profile Text Color: 0D317F
|
Post by busymom on Jan 8, 2015 17:39:58 GMT -5
I'd always had the impression that tithing was based on earned income. However, I do know that churches sometimes expect you to pay whatever you'd promised to give at the beginning of the year, & go after you if you don't, which is really rather sad. DH & I no longer turn in pledge cards, but we still give. (We've been unemployed enough over the years...)
What I would suggest to the daughter is, if her conscience is gnawing at her, to tithe off her unemployment money. JMHO.
|
|
snapdragon
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 14:56:55 GMT -5
Posts: 2,973
Mini-Profile Background: {"image":"","color":"e1f6f8"}
Mini-Profile Name Color: cd78d4
|
Post by snapdragon on Jan 8, 2015 17:41:26 GMT -5
I don't tithe now, so i can't see me doing it if i don't have any income. x 2 Couldn't she volunteer time instead? I thought that was also a good thing?
|
|
Deleted
Joined: Oct 11, 2024 10:19:58 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 8, 2015 18:37:21 GMT -5
I sort of understand the need to fulfill your pledge. It is really a pledge to God, not the church. That said, I think my God is a little more "forgiving" than most people give Him credit for.
My ex is a church elder. Pledges are important because they allow the church to manage their expenses. That's why there are drives, funds, etc. that are separate from the yearly budget. If you can't honor your pledge, you should at least go talk to the minister about it, who should become interested in helping you through this tough time.
I live in a perfect world, I know. Yes, it is sometimes lonely here because the rest of you don't.
|
|