To: Frapster
Here's how I look at it:
In Moses time, when the 10 percent tithe was established, the church was the only entitiy taking a hit. They weren't paying taxes to another government as far as I know. In Jesus' time they were. He said, render unto Ceasar what is Ceasar's. He never really said 10 percent was still the rule or wasn't and he didn't address the tithe before or after taxes issue. He did fault the religious leaders for being really precise on their tithes of mint and cumin but neglecting the weightier matters of the law. -- seems like there was something more important than how much they gave of their "stuff" -- In the early church they sold all they had and gave to the church and they all lived communally. So, clearly there is no solid new testament rule.
As others said, follow your heart. As for me and my house, we figure that the money the government takes is out of our control. We never had it and it's not our choice whether to give it to them or not. It's merely the cost of living in a country that allows us to worship as we see fit. Since I never really had that tax money I don't count it. We give based on what actually hits our bank account.
I don't know about your church but in mine if everyone who was able gave 10 percent of their after tax income the church would have absolutely NO money problems. The issue isn't really whether people give based on before tax or after tax income but rather that they give what their conscience tells them they should.
To: stranger and pilgrim
As for me and my house, we figure that the money the government takes is out of our control. We never had it and it's not our choice whether to give it to them or not.
Yes you do, you vote.
54 posted on
05/23/2003 1:38:50 PM PDT by
Tamar1973
("He who is compassionate to the cruel, ends up being cruel to the compassionate." Jewish sage)
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