This is a perfect example of how the LDS 'play' at being Christians. They go through the motions, they say the right words, but they really, really do not get it. They are like 5 year olds playing house.
Because Christians are not under the COMPULSION to pay 10% gross income like the LDS are (if they don't they are looked down upon, not considered 'worthy' and not allowed in their temples) the LDS ASSUME that Christians believe in a 'free lunch' or don't pay tithing.
We have seen on this board the statement from the LDS and ex-LDS that tithing to the LDS is 'paying their fair share' and that attitude explains the 'free lunch' comment. They will also 'testify' (as we have seen here) that paying their compulsory tithing gives them material benefits. The LDS often connect 'living the gospel' with material wealth. The idea being that God will bless you financially if you are faithful in your full tithing, much the same as those who promote the Prosperity Gospel heresy.
Yet, once again, we see that the LDS JUST DON"T GET IT. God doesn't want or NEED our money. He wants our offerings of LOVE and devotion and tithing is one way of doing that.
Most Christians I know pay WAY more than 10% and give cheerfully, the way God wants it. They realize that IT IS ALL GOD'S MONEY, and we are blessed by having it in the first place. Christians give where we are led and as much as we are led and there is no one looking over our shoulder, asking us if we are paying it, or keeping track. Christians know our tithing is between US AND GOD, no one else.
This thread also clearly shows, as AMPU pointed out, that the LDS completely fail at basic reading comprehension. They will interpret passages as their leaders have told them to, not thinking about what the passage really says or the context. A&S were killed not because they didn't 'pay their fair share' but BECAUSE THEY LIED ABOUT THEIR OFFERING. It is a story about greed and deception, not tithing. But the LDS will insist that it is because that is what their leaders have brainwashed them to think.
It is a story about greed and deception, not tithing.
This is the very heart of the matter reaganaut, if one no longer has the ability for 'independent thought' you will see that evidenced by the very thing seen on this thread and others. Indoctrinate, load them with literature and material reading, ritualistic performances to give them a feel good affect, wear them out with required functions and labor under the disguise of "living the Gospel"....and in the midst of tear down their very soul with guilt and fear, and make them pay as they go.... There you have the dynamics of a cult in every sense of the word. And least we forget....keep them distracted from Gods word by offering another "Prophet" and his book. They all have their leader and their book.
“This is a perfect example of how the LDS ‘play’ at being Christians. “
The game is over; “Jesus Christ is the Lord.” I put that in quotes because it is I, a Mormon, who says that - Jesus Christ is the Lord.
“Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost”
1 Corinthians 12:3
Regarding tithing - it’s in the Bible - it’s a good thing - it’s nothing to be ashamed of - we do it because we want to, not because we have to. Same with all Christians.
It’s the only area where God says we can test Him.
Why is this a problem for you?