As I fill out my celestial 1040 form, I always ask “Does God want 10% of my gross pay or 10% of my net?”
.....Bob
I am proud to say that I know the author of this article, and she does her research well. If you happened to miss it, she also wrote a great article about the ‘purpose driven’ and ‘church growth movements’.
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06248/719178-84.stm
Despite all arguments to the contrary, tithing is the practice of Jesus and the Apostles.
While there is no “law” to this effect, it would be hard to go wrong if one follows Jesus’ example.
I always find it interesting that the churches that do not take many verses of the Bible literally, always come down on the side of the Biblical support for tithing.
“They want you to send your money to the Lord, but they give you their address.” The American Dream - Hank Williams Jr.
10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this," Says the Lord of hosts, "If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it. (Malachi 3:10)
Tithing is one of God's commandments and is not an option for Christians who faithfully obey God, and God promises blessings to those who choose to obey this particular commandment.
The "backlash", I believe, is just more evidence of the "falling away" spoken of by Christ that will occur just before His return.
The target that must be eliminated from all walks of life is Jesus Christ, the hunt is well underway, and bit by bit, everything Christ ever said, or commanded, is being discarded.
Just one more sign of the times.
How sad that so many display so much ingratitude towards God right after Thanksgiving.