When I was Mormon, I actually had a LDS Bishop (eqiv to pastor) call my boss (also Mormon) to verify how much money I made because he didn’t believe I was paying a full tithe when I went in for my yearly ‘tithing settlement’ meeting (required to be considered ‘worthy’).
The LDS will often proudly boast about ‘doing their part’ by payig tithing, then brag that they don’t have a paid ministry. So the money goes where?
Grace is so different, now I give as I am led (more than 10% not that it matters) and where I am led. It is a joy to know that my pastor is available for me and not overworked by having a full time ‘day job’ and a full time non paying church job’ which is what the LDS do.
I thank God every day He saved me from Mormonism and the Hell it was leading me to.
Whenever an institution demands a tithe (?), it’s no longer a tithe and that crap should be illegal. Matter of fact, it is illegal. It’s extortion because they are using fear to get their damned greedy hands on the property of others. Admitted that I don’t know what a settlement meeting is, but it sounds like a case file that belongs in a prosecutor’s office rather than in a “church”.
Enough to make my blood boil first thing this morning.
My best to you, Reaganaut. I’m glad you’re out and safe in the hands of Jesus Christ.
And we are too - nice to see ya pinging around here again.