Quote:
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You can join a church and the choice to give back in way of money is your choice and that is between you and God. If you came to my church and I knew you didn't give, I wouldn't look at you any different. I'd just be glad you were there
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ActYourWage,
Thank you, but I don't think it's about how you or anyone else would look at me(In fact, I'm sure of it). I just don't think it would be ethical of me to sit in church, consume the seats, space, air conditioning, the time of the pastor and not pay my way for that.
I know you say, "Well, we don't care." but I think that's being a bit disingenuous when probably 10-20% of worship services are dedicated to collections (whether passing up the little basket or a lengthy sermon on tithing or outside enrollment in tithing).
I am reminded of a Simpson's episode that poked fun at my own occupation. Homer's back goes out and he goes to the chiropractor. The chiropractor says, "Don't worry, Homer. . .everyone thinks that we are going to recommend you come back 3x/week for a long time. I assure you it's not that way at all. Now lay down on the table so we can get you on a schedule to come back next week."
LOL.
It's the same way with church and tithing. "I assure you we only want to tend to your spiritual needs. Now. . .come next week for my sermon on tithing."
That Simpson's episode, thru it's witty humor, taught me to just be open about my practices, as I think the church's, temples, and synogogues should be open about theirs and not apologize or hide the fact they want 10%.
I think they are inadvertantly doing a "bait and switch."
Anyway, until I can figure out how I can work 10% in, I think it's just fair to everyone that I not be a "freeloader."
10% would represent about $10,000/year. . .more than we contribute to retirement (although if we max our Roth's and 401(k), it should top that this year). . .it's hard to figure out how to work that in.
So. . .for now, the best thing I can do for charity is continually strive not to end up as one.
I have thought since I am a bit of a "miser" during my lifetime, of bequeathing 10% to charity and 30% each to our 3 kids to atone for my life spent as a miser
