"self-centered charitable giving"
If you are paying tithing because you believe you will receive blessing from it, THAT is self-centered charitable giving. Your 'fire insurance's money is about you rather than about others.
OwenJune 3, 2022
Simply put, God has commanded us to pay tithing to Him through His church. My wife and I do so. Blessings truly come as we keep this commandment, leaving us in a position to pay Fast Offerings and other donations to church causes AND donate to charities of our choice. So thankful that God keeps His promises!!!!
DebrahJune 1, 2022
I have found when I pay my tithing I always seem to have a little extra at the end of the month to give to a charitable cause of my choosing. The Lord stretches my money to meet my needs and to consider an occasional want, too. Faith!
How many times has the Lord feed me, clothed me, found me a bike for my child that I could afford, put shoes on me as a child because my parents paid tithing? I should write a book! I have been blessed with adequate for my needs and to donate to others, if I pay my tithing.
Wendy H WoodJune 1, 2022
How can I say, "This is God's only true church," and say, "but I don't trust His representatives to do what's right?" I am among those who think that financial reserves are a good thing, and that the "rainy day fund" may be able to ease the coming deluge, which has already started.
Adam from OhioJune 1, 2022
I've started paying on my surplus properties as it says in the scripture. As I am still in debt for my education and my home that equals zero dollars. I do not have a surplus. Change my mind.
Richard NelsonJune 1, 2022
This sounds like the story of Cain and Able. Cains sacrifice was rejected because it was not precisely what the Lord commanded.. it was this act that began his apostasy from God.
PatrickJune 1, 2022
There are some months I pay up to 12%, just to be sure. I love the blessings I receive and the feeling I get when I pay tithing.
Michael WidemanJune 1, 2022
Our offering (tithing) is laid upon the Lord's altar. He determines and directs its use through His called agents. What we give and what remains was already His and was His gift to us. What we give, He gives to us again "...good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over..."
Paul HMay 31, 2022
Many years ago President Spencer Kimball told of a man that had spent his "tithing money" on something other than tithing, all of which were good things, and then asked "What do you think of that?", to which President Kimball replied, "I'd say you were very generous with someone else's money."
Good luck keeping the admonition to attend the temple regularly if you aren't a full tithe payer as that's a requirement to hold a current, valid recommend. .
This also suggests an arrogant attitude that you know better than the Lord's servants where the funds should be allocated.
MaryannMay 31, 2022
I had not heard of this "trendy tithing" practice and I'm pretty shocked. Thank you for the reminder of the necessity and also great blessings of paying tithing in the Lord's way. I guess that's what it all boils down to--are we going to keep the commandments in the Lord's way? OR-- or are we going to trust in the "arm of flesh," accepting false doctrines, and then justifying ourselves in our own reasoning and rationalization? I am reminded of President Nelson's counsel to "Let God prevail" in our lives. There are no alternate routes to God's presence, other than the straight and narrow path. Thank you for your insights.
Neal ChristensenMay 31, 2022
Sounds like Trendy apostacy.
Ronald H SnyderMay 31, 2022
While I had never heard of this idea, the article certainly points out the flaws in the logic. I would say, in defense of the "national columnist" (whoever it is), that the people who do this were not likely to pay tithing to the Church anyway and therefore, encouraging them to give a similar amount to worthwhile charities is certainly a good idea,
To presume that I am better suited to determine how the Lord's funds should be allocated is the height of effrontery. God already had sufficient resources, financial and otherwise, before instituting the law of tithing. That does not exempt us from proving our faithfulness and devotion by complying with a straightforward commandment.
Megan PickettMay 31, 2022
Well written article that expounds perfectly on the reason tithing is necessary and why people may think that trendy tithing is the way to go, but it’s not! Great job!
CallieMay 31, 2022
I think of my tithing as the Lord's money. I do not choose what the Lord does with His money.
SherylMay 31, 2022
The sifting continues. I can testify wholeheartedly to the blessings that come when you pay full and honest tithing.
Barbara ReedyMay 31, 2022
The widows mite was a true a kitchen amount but Christ did not give her the ok to use it for what or who she chose. Also it says bring all of your tithes into the Bishops warehouse. Will not be your choice if its for the poor in our wards, overseas for food, meds, water, The is a place for every dime, here or abroad.
ShaunaMay 31, 2022
I was not aware of this trend. what next??? Such thinking brought to mind a quote from President Hinkley that he gave in 1995 when introducing "The Family, a Proclamation to the world.":
“With so much of sophistry that is passed off as truth, with so much of deception concerning standards and values, with so much of allurement and enticement to take on the slow stain of the world, we have felt to warn and forewarn."
"Trendy" tithing, is flat out sophistry,, and deception." It also reminds me of a pattern I see in the Book of Mormon...that it is the "dissenters" of the Nephites who are the cause of much wickedness. Truly a house divided against itself cannot stand. The most pernicious attacks on our faith are those who pretend to share it
Keith WilsonMay 31, 2022
Very well stated, Joel. Some of my research of other religions has taken me to study the path of the RLDS, now Community of Christ. Recently, their leadership has bought into this trendy tithing practice and now any charitable contributions that their members make to any organization can be counted as their tithing. It is sad to see how their church currently has really been struggling financially to make up some serious shortfalls in tithing donations. Tithing blesses thrice. Once when we pay it, twice when the Church receives it, and thrice when the Church uses it for good purposes.
James LittlejohnMay 31, 2022
I find it troubling, to say the least, that there is a voice proclaiming "trendy tithing". Have we not been admonished both by the living Prophets in recent times and scripture that the concept of tithes and offerings is one given to us by a loving Heavenly ZFather so we may be allowed to participate in the blessing of Israel in these the latter days? I would no more fail to adhere to the wishes and commandments of Father than to deny my testimony of the Lord., nor deny His mercy.
HalMay 31, 2022
Great article, thank you! I'm reminded of a statement I heard years ago (I forget who said it), wherein someone told a friend that he contributed his "tithing" to causes he deemed worthy. When he asked his friend his thoughts, the reply was: "I think you are being very generous with the Lord's money." Personally, I get great satisfaction in contributing to worthy, charitable causes. However, I don't ever use the Lord's money for such contributions. I love the blessings I receive from paying tithes and other offerings. Being obedient sometimes is its own reward.
Rochelle HaleMay 31, 2022
My late stepsister was a good Christian woman who believed in tithing, but she followed this trend long before it was "trendy" and would pay percentages to people or causes of her own determination. My late mother-in-law was scrupulous in paying her tithing to the Church through the Lord's program, but she "spent our inheritance" by giving to many worthy causes as well. No matter the accolades of the world, nothing can compare with the spiritual (and sometimes material) blessings that the Lord will give us as we tithe to Him.
Ann CMay 31, 2022
Many years ago, a friend told President Kimball that instead of paying tithing to the church, he gave 10% of his income to groups or individuals who he felt needed it more. He asked President Kimball what he thought about that. President Kimball's reply was "I think you are very generous - with THE LORD'S MONEY."
Enough said. If you want to donate to these causes - please feel free to do so, but do it with your own money, not that which belongs to the Lord.
Ronald BarnesMay 31, 2022
Our tithing does not belong to us to do with whatever we please, it belongs to God to do with whatever He pleases. If we give our tithing allotted money to other causes, we are doing what we please with God’s money. We are determining for Him, how His money is to be spent. We would not be pleased if someone else decided how our money is to be spent. Why would God be any different? As we sing in church:
We give thee but thy own,
Whate’er the gift may be,
For all we have is thine alone,
A trust, O Lord, from thee.
JimMay 31, 2022
I hadn't yet heard of this trend; very disturbing. Reminds me of the story of a general authority (wish I could remember who) who was approached by a wealthy member who basically said, "Want to know how I pay tithing? I put that money in a special savings account, then when someone in the ward needs some help I use that account to help them. What do you think of that?" And this general authority's wise reply: "I think you're being very generous with the Lord's money."
ShareeMay 31, 2022
I'm sure there are a lot of people throughout the world who have been very happy that the Church has had a lot of money socked away for a rainy day.
HelenCMay 31, 2022
Wow! I’m so sorry this has to even be discussed! The Law of Tithing has nothing to do with the Church’s financial standing and everything to do with the Law of Obedience and Sacrifice! It was the Pharisees who ignored the widow and her mite. It was the Savior who applauded her.
It’s not about the money, people!
Andrew CurrieMay 31, 2022
In a General Conference talk way back in the 1970s (I was new in the Church, so it really stuck with me), President Kimball shared a story of a friend who explained that he "tiithed" by giving 10% of his income to charities of his own choosing. When the friend asked President Kimball what he thought about his approach to tithing, President Kimball' candidly replied, "I think you are very generous with somebody else's money."
It's the Lord's money; and He has already designated how tithing is gathered and distributed (i.e., The Council on the Distrbution of the Tithes).
Dr Lynn D JohnsonMay 31, 2022
It is not their money, it belongs to God. Glad to know about the latest version of apostasy.
Tom ShawMay 31, 2022
When people comment on the wealth of the church do they understand the massive commitment that the church is required t to fulfill in building up the kingdom of God on the earth? Do they understand that there will be a new city of Zion requiring to be built on the American continent. Imagine building a city for say 10-15m people with the housing, utilities & transport network. This will cost billions when it happens.
JulieMay 31, 2022
Throughout reading this article it seems those professing this new way to pay tithes have actually missed that fast offerings are the funds the church receives for the described misdirected funds. .
Many years ago I was asked to donate to a specific charity through my work. At that time I made the choice to allow the leaders of my church to decide which international charities should receive my funds, because they had a much wider view of what areas of the world needed the help over my tunnel vision of the small area of the world view I could see. And I knew 100% of my donation went to better the world not someone’s salary.
Comments | Return to Story
DavidJune 9, 2022
Tithing is paid with faith, not money.
LaceyJune 5, 2022
"self-centered charitable giving" If you are paying tithing because you believe you will receive blessing from it, THAT is self-centered charitable giving. Your 'fire insurance's money is about you rather than about others.
OwenJune 3, 2022
Simply put, God has commanded us to pay tithing to Him through His church. My wife and I do so. Blessings truly come as we keep this commandment, leaving us in a position to pay Fast Offerings and other donations to church causes AND donate to charities of our choice. So thankful that God keeps His promises!!!!
DebrahJune 1, 2022
I have found when I pay my tithing I always seem to have a little extra at the end of the month to give to a charitable cause of my choosing. The Lord stretches my money to meet my needs and to consider an occasional want, too. Faith! How many times has the Lord feed me, clothed me, found me a bike for my child that I could afford, put shoes on me as a child because my parents paid tithing? I should write a book! I have been blessed with adequate for my needs and to donate to others, if I pay my tithing.
Wendy H WoodJune 1, 2022
How can I say, "This is God's only true church," and say, "but I don't trust His representatives to do what's right?" I am among those who think that financial reserves are a good thing, and that the "rainy day fund" may be able to ease the coming deluge, which has already started.
Adam from OhioJune 1, 2022
I've started paying on my surplus properties as it says in the scripture. As I am still in debt for my education and my home that equals zero dollars. I do not have a surplus. Change my mind.
Richard NelsonJune 1, 2022
This sounds like the story of Cain and Able. Cains sacrifice was rejected because it was not precisely what the Lord commanded.. it was this act that began his apostasy from God.
PatrickJune 1, 2022
There are some months I pay up to 12%, just to be sure. I love the blessings I receive and the feeling I get when I pay tithing.
Michael WidemanJune 1, 2022
Our offering (tithing) is laid upon the Lord's altar. He determines and directs its use through His called agents. What we give and what remains was already His and was His gift to us. What we give, He gives to us again "...good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over..."
Paul HMay 31, 2022
Many years ago President Spencer Kimball told of a man that had spent his "tithing money" on something other than tithing, all of which were good things, and then asked "What do you think of that?", to which President Kimball replied, "I'd say you were very generous with someone else's money." Good luck keeping the admonition to attend the temple regularly if you aren't a full tithe payer as that's a requirement to hold a current, valid recommend. . This also suggests an arrogant attitude that you know better than the Lord's servants where the funds should be allocated.
MaryannMay 31, 2022
I had not heard of this "trendy tithing" practice and I'm pretty shocked. Thank you for the reminder of the necessity and also great blessings of paying tithing in the Lord's way. I guess that's what it all boils down to--are we going to keep the commandments in the Lord's way? OR-- or are we going to trust in the "arm of flesh," accepting false doctrines, and then justifying ourselves in our own reasoning and rationalization? I am reminded of President Nelson's counsel to "Let God prevail" in our lives. There are no alternate routes to God's presence, other than the straight and narrow path. Thank you for your insights.
Neal ChristensenMay 31, 2022
Sounds like Trendy apostacy.
Ronald H SnyderMay 31, 2022
While I had never heard of this idea, the article certainly points out the flaws in the logic. I would say, in defense of the "national columnist" (whoever it is), that the people who do this were not likely to pay tithing to the Church anyway and therefore, encouraging them to give a similar amount to worthwhile charities is certainly a good idea, To presume that I am better suited to determine how the Lord's funds should be allocated is the height of effrontery. God already had sufficient resources, financial and otherwise, before instituting the law of tithing. That does not exempt us from proving our faithfulness and devotion by complying with a straightforward commandment.
Megan PickettMay 31, 2022
Well written article that expounds perfectly on the reason tithing is necessary and why people may think that trendy tithing is the way to go, but it’s not! Great job!
CallieMay 31, 2022
I think of my tithing as the Lord's money. I do not choose what the Lord does with His money.
SherylMay 31, 2022
The sifting continues. I can testify wholeheartedly to the blessings that come when you pay full and honest tithing.
Barbara ReedyMay 31, 2022
The widows mite was a true a kitchen amount but Christ did not give her the ok to use it for what or who she chose. Also it says bring all of your tithes into the Bishops warehouse. Will not be your choice if its for the poor in our wards, overseas for food, meds, water, The is a place for every dime, here or abroad.
ShaunaMay 31, 2022
I was not aware of this trend. what next??? Such thinking brought to mind a quote from President Hinkley that he gave in 1995 when introducing "The Family, a Proclamation to the world.": “With so much of sophistry that is passed off as truth, with so much of deception concerning standards and values, with so much of allurement and enticement to take on the slow stain of the world, we have felt to warn and forewarn." "Trendy" tithing, is flat out sophistry,, and deception." It also reminds me of a pattern I see in the Book of Mormon...that it is the "dissenters" of the Nephites who are the cause of much wickedness. Truly a house divided against itself cannot stand. The most pernicious attacks on our faith are those who pretend to share it
Keith WilsonMay 31, 2022
Very well stated, Joel. Some of my research of other religions has taken me to study the path of the RLDS, now Community of Christ. Recently, their leadership has bought into this trendy tithing practice and now any charitable contributions that their members make to any organization can be counted as their tithing. It is sad to see how their church currently has really been struggling financially to make up some serious shortfalls in tithing donations. Tithing blesses thrice. Once when we pay it, twice when the Church receives it, and thrice when the Church uses it for good purposes.
James LittlejohnMay 31, 2022
I find it troubling, to say the least, that there is a voice proclaiming "trendy tithing". Have we not been admonished both by the living Prophets in recent times and scripture that the concept of tithes and offerings is one given to us by a loving Heavenly ZFather so we may be allowed to participate in the blessing of Israel in these the latter days? I would no more fail to adhere to the wishes and commandments of Father than to deny my testimony of the Lord., nor deny His mercy.
HalMay 31, 2022
Great article, thank you! I'm reminded of a statement I heard years ago (I forget who said it), wherein someone told a friend that he contributed his "tithing" to causes he deemed worthy. When he asked his friend his thoughts, the reply was: "I think you are being very generous with the Lord's money." Personally, I get great satisfaction in contributing to worthy, charitable causes. However, I don't ever use the Lord's money for such contributions. I love the blessings I receive from paying tithes and other offerings. Being obedient sometimes is its own reward.
Rochelle HaleMay 31, 2022
My late stepsister was a good Christian woman who believed in tithing, but she followed this trend long before it was "trendy" and would pay percentages to people or causes of her own determination. My late mother-in-law was scrupulous in paying her tithing to the Church through the Lord's program, but she "spent our inheritance" by giving to many worthy causes as well. No matter the accolades of the world, nothing can compare with the spiritual (and sometimes material) blessings that the Lord will give us as we tithe to Him.
Ann CMay 31, 2022
Many years ago, a friend told President Kimball that instead of paying tithing to the church, he gave 10% of his income to groups or individuals who he felt needed it more. He asked President Kimball what he thought about that. President Kimball's reply was "I think you are very generous - with THE LORD'S MONEY." Enough said. If you want to donate to these causes - please feel free to do so, but do it with your own money, not that which belongs to the Lord.
Ronald BarnesMay 31, 2022
Our tithing does not belong to us to do with whatever we please, it belongs to God to do with whatever He pleases. If we give our tithing allotted money to other causes, we are doing what we please with God’s money. We are determining for Him, how His money is to be spent. We would not be pleased if someone else decided how our money is to be spent. Why would God be any different? As we sing in church: We give thee but thy own, Whate’er the gift may be, For all we have is thine alone, A trust, O Lord, from thee.
JimMay 31, 2022
I hadn't yet heard of this trend; very disturbing. Reminds me of the story of a general authority (wish I could remember who) who was approached by a wealthy member who basically said, "Want to know how I pay tithing? I put that money in a special savings account, then when someone in the ward needs some help I use that account to help them. What do you think of that?" And this general authority's wise reply: "I think you're being very generous with the Lord's money."
ShareeMay 31, 2022
I'm sure there are a lot of people throughout the world who have been very happy that the Church has had a lot of money socked away for a rainy day.
HelenCMay 31, 2022
Wow! I’m so sorry this has to even be discussed! The Law of Tithing has nothing to do with the Church’s financial standing and everything to do with the Law of Obedience and Sacrifice! It was the Pharisees who ignored the widow and her mite. It was the Savior who applauded her. It’s not about the money, people!
Andrew CurrieMay 31, 2022
In a General Conference talk way back in the 1970s (I was new in the Church, so it really stuck with me), President Kimball shared a story of a friend who explained that he "tiithed" by giving 10% of his income to charities of his own choosing. When the friend asked President Kimball what he thought about his approach to tithing, President Kimball' candidly replied, "I think you are very generous with somebody else's money." It's the Lord's money; and He has already designated how tithing is gathered and distributed (i.e., The Council on the Distrbution of the Tithes).
Dr Lynn D JohnsonMay 31, 2022
It is not their money, it belongs to God. Glad to know about the latest version of apostasy.
Tom ShawMay 31, 2022
When people comment on the wealth of the church do they understand the massive commitment that the church is required t to fulfill in building up the kingdom of God on the earth? Do they understand that there will be a new city of Zion requiring to be built on the American continent. Imagine building a city for say 10-15m people with the housing, utilities & transport network. This will cost billions when it happens.
JulieMay 31, 2022
Throughout reading this article it seems those professing this new way to pay tithes have actually missed that fast offerings are the funds the church receives for the described misdirected funds. . Many years ago I was asked to donate to a specific charity through my work. At that time I made the choice to allow the leaders of my church to decide which international charities should receive my funds, because they had a much wider view of what areas of the world needed the help over my tunnel vision of the small area of the world view I could see. And I knew 100% of my donation went to better the world not someone’s salary.
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