Reduction in Tithing

[zach]

http://www.christianpost.com/article/20061026/25581.htm

'Amid debates over whether Christians should tithe to their local
church, a Christian author says churches that teach tithing as a
mandate is a "growing scandal." '

I know this has been covered (little hasn't here), but it is
interesting, especially considering how some view our Western culture
as being one of greed.

[Jeff Caird]

Post by zach
http://www.christianpost.com/article/20061026/25581.htm
'Amid debates over whether Christians should tithe to their local
church, a Christian author says churches that teach tithing as a
mandate is a "growing scandal." '

tithing is not a New Testament requirement, plain and simple, anymore than
animal sacrifice.

I have seen single-income Christian families struggling to pay their
'tithes' to churches where the pastors wear silk suits and pinkie rings and
drive Lexus cars. One father in particular forced his family to eat a diet
of carbohydrates and defaulted on his rent rather than not pay his 10%.

Even if you want to follow the Old Testament model, tithing was NEVER
computed on workmen's wages, but on the 'increase' of flocks and herds, and
agricultural abundance. Tithing was also VOLUNTARILY given on spoils of
war, etc.

Give, give, give: be rewarded for it, but there is no reward for tithing.

[Proshome]

Dear Caird:
Surely there are abuses with today's "christian churches", but who in our
western world today would/could follow the recommendation offered in this
quote: Acts 4:33-35 "And with great power gave the apostles witness of the
resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. 34Neither
was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of
lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were
sold, 35And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made
unto every man according as he had need." I agree that forced tithing can
breed corruption, but this is one of the prices the Church is having to pay
for their lack of control over the divided flocks. However, there is
consolation, IMHO, in that both those who give as well as those who take,
will receive their due recompense. The spirit says that we should help
those in need. But for those who really believe and care, remember the
parable of the widows mite. Doesn't it sound strange that in some churches,
the leading "servant' of the flock has turned around the system of the
church from helping the people, to the church serving the leader.
--
simply "Christian"

Post by Jeff Caird

Post by zach
http://www.christianpost.com/article/20061026/25581.htm
'Amid debates over whether Christians should tithe to their local
church, a Christian author says churches that teach tithing as a
mandate is a "growing scandal." '

tithing is not a New Testament requirement, plain and simple, anymore than
animal sacrifice.
I have seen single-income Christian families struggling to pay their
'tithes' to churches where the pastors wear silk suits and pinkie rings and
drive Lexus cars. One father in particular forced his family to eat a diet
of carbohydrates and defaulted on his rent rather than not pay his 10%.
Even if you want to follow the Old Testament model, tithing was NEVER
computed on workmen's wages, but on the 'increase' of flocks and herds, and
agricultural abundance. Tithing was also VOLUNTARILY given on spoils of
war, etc.
Give, give, give: be rewarded for it, but there is no reward for tithing.