Question #5

Do you believe Christians should tithe? If so, at what level or percentage? If you're so inclined to respond...do you tithe?

Yes, I do believe Christians should tithe.. but I fear I don't know a lot about it and therefore am not sure I have much authority on the matter. But, coming from the perspective of someone who has rarely tithed or has been partnered with those who rarely or stingily tithe..I have always found it to be a beautiful goal to give 90 percent of one's earnings for the church's use while living on only the remaining 10 percent. But where does the money go, exactly?? I really don't know.

I'd be cool with it if some of the funds went to the church itself, to things like maintenance and keeping it clean, etc. (Not okay if for needless plasma screens and stuff.. or for becoming a mega church like Joel Osteen's..) I'd want most of it to go toward projects, however, for making the world better, like funds for a mission trip or a mission project somewhere.

Isn't the expected level 10%? Maybe the "requirement" should be that we give 100% of our heart..and then the money would follow suit..? I think so. That's what God really wants, anyway. In Revelation 3:16 we're told that God wants us to be hot or cold, at least, just anything but lukewarm. So if we give the recommended amount but aren't particularly fired up about the actual process of giving, God will just "spit [it] out of [his] mouth."

I do not personally put money in the passing basket. Jake does occasionally place a prepared check in there, but rarely, during these days with our hardly grown-up lifestyle. (We don't plan ahead very well even for paying bills on time, let alone for giving any extra gifts to the world.)