I understand tithing is manadatory. What about people with big families and small paychecks? Do they get any kind of break? What about people out of work or bankrupt?
2 Responses to “I understand tithing is manadatory. What about people…”
Pedro Bravo
2013-05-26 15:10:17
Tithing is a way to show God that He is first in our hearts.
Hi friend. To say tithing is "mandatory" is misleading. Those who choose not to pay tithing are still welcome to worship with us. However, it is true that tithing is a commandment of God (Malachi 3:10), and those who keep this commandment receive important spiritual blessings. Whenever we choose to follow God, especially when it's personally difficult, we grow spiritually.
Tithing by definition means "10%." Someone who is out of work receives no money. 10$ of $0.00 is $0.00, so such a person is a full tithe payer even if they contribute no money to the church. In cases of financial difficulty, the church has a "welfare fund" to help out needy families. These families should still pay tithing, but the help they receive from the church could well be more monetarily valuable than their tithing contributions. Nevertheless, they would still be full tithe payers as well.
Tithing helps each member of the church feel like he is contributing to our common spiritual/religious cause. This money is used to build chapels and temples, to finance the church's missionary program, etc. It should be seen as a blessing more than a responsibility. I hope this answer helps. Let me know if you have any additional questions.
Lorraine Jernigan
2013-05-25 18:02:04
Mandatory is a strong word and inaccurate. To be in good standing and prepared to enter the Temple, one must do their tithing. But as in everything Mormon, there is also agency, we get to choose. Most good Mormons/Christians and people of other Christian faiths believe in tithing because it blesses our lives. It's part of being faithful.
If you are not drawing an income you are not expected to tithe.
Tithing by definition means "10%." Someone who is out of work receives no money. 10$ of $0.00 is $0.00, so such a person is a full tithe payer even if they contribute no money to the church. In cases of financial difficulty, the church has a "welfare fund" to help out needy families. These families should still pay tithing, but the help they receive from the church could well be more monetarily valuable than their tithing contributions. Nevertheless, they would still be full tithe payers as well.
Tithing helps each member of the church feel like he is contributing to our common spiritual/religious cause. This money is used to build chapels and temples, to finance the church's missionary program, etc. It should be seen as a blessing more than a responsibility. I hope this answer helps. Let me know if you have any additional questions.
If you are not drawing an income you are not expected to tithe.