beth

This is true Radarth. I have no intention of deconverting my husband as you snidely suggested. I just see no reason to give away thousands of dollars every year to maintain a building.

Shake

If it's done in your name, can you write it off on your taxes? I know, probably not, but that would be a redeeming point, if true.
... especially a building that you don't use (right?).

Yeah, I'd rather see my money go to a more worthy cause ... like reducing my debt!

Tufted

While I don't tithe, I usually throw a twenty into the basket. I feel it's my price of admission to an enjoyable 75 minutes. The church I attend has good music, and thought provoking sermons. And even though I don't believe in the afterlife, I do find it uplifting to try to live a life somewhat akin to what the church promotes. And yes, I basically would live that way instinctively without attending church. But it doesn't hurt to be reminded every now and then.

I have come to the conclusion that if I ever won a multi-million dollar lottery (and I only play when the jackpot approaches the odds) I would tithe 10% to the church. That may seem irrational, but it also may mean that I have more faith than I publicly admit.

wildernesse

I sincerely hope that Rufus never demands that I don't tithe. I earn money and I have final say over where the money I earn goes. If I want to give 10% away to charity, then I should be able to. We have plenty of money to pay our bills and have whatever we want, and part of what I want is to tithe.

I do tithe--because I enjoy the services offered by the church I attend and as part of the organization, I have a responsibility to help support it. I like to participate in the music ministry and the Sunday school classes and those areas need money for music and class materials as well as funds for new instruments and upkeep. Also, I like to support the services that our church provides for our community: the free community concerts they give every other month or so featuring local bands, the overflow homeless shelter in the winter, the community center in the inner city that provides food and a place for kids to gather after school, the GED-prep classes that they offer, etc. I could go on and on.

I don't ask my husband to support the church or to take part in my religious life actively. I feel that if my husband were to tell me not to tithe (or sing in the choir or go to church etc.) then that is equal to me telling him he had to go to church or Sunday school or pray with me. He shouldn't put limits on my religious life. Likewise, I respect him enough not to limit his participation in what is important to him.

--tibac

Celsus

Yes, I used to tithe. Actually, I also used to give money to sponsor a kid in Zambia whom my dad knew (this kid was an orphan, no one knew what happened to his family). After I deconverted, I kept on tithing to see him through highschool. I believe he got himself a (proper) scholarship to the university of Zambia, but I'm not sure. It's one of the few things in life I am genuinely proud of having done.

Joel

mike_decock

I still tithe even though I'm no longer a believer. I donate my tithes to my parents (they're missionaries), so I know the money is being well-spent and is well-appreciated. Once they retire, I'll look for a different charity to contribute to.

-Mike...

Treacle Worshipper

Originally posted by Radorth
I've had too many undeserved financial blessings to stop tithing. I'd tithe if I was backslid.

Personally, I haven't noticed any difference in the unexpected money I've received since I stopped tithing. (Assuming that's what you mean by financial blessings, Rad.)

TW

beth

I did more than use it, I helped to maintain it. I cleaned it every week and took care of odd jobs to do around there. I don't mind giving something as I'm not a stingy person, but not ten percent. That's just too much.

I know we could have been debt free by now.