The [Apostolic] Prosperity Gospel

[bbyrd009]

Originally Posted by Titus2woman

Tithing is a false doctrine that extorts 10% of a persons gross income by claiming that they will be cursed, killed or spend eternity in a tormenting hell for the sin of 'robbing God'. It too is an unscriptural doctrine...

I can only imagine how our individual images of tithing became so disparate; but I have never felt "extorted," and would laugh in the face of anyone who made the claims that your shorthand (I presume) above attributes to "tithing." I would have to get my ducks lined up to present a good argument, here, but this seems to be a great description of what tithing is not? Without even looking, Christ Himself as much as said that extorted money is not a tithe?

[Titus2woman]

Originally Posted by bbyrd009

I can only imagine how our individual images of tithing became so disparate; but I have never felt "extorted," and would laugh in the face of anyone who made the claims that your shorthand (I presume) above attributes to "tithing." I would have to get my ducks lined up to present a good argument, here, but this seems to be a great description of what tithing is not? Without even looking, Christ Himself as much as said that extorted money is not a tithe?

Besides the fact that there is no scripture to support New Testament tithing there is a lot wrong with it on a common sense level too.

A flat 10% will severely affect the poor in a negative way while someone with a good income will not even feel it and may have much more than they will ever need in their lifetime left over after a tenth. Yet with our inability to avoid being respecters of persons we will naturally give a place of honor to the one who gives most.

For those reasons the bible tells us to give as we are prospered. For someone wealthy that might mean giving the 90% and living on the 10%... When was the last time you saw that happen? Also the church should be supporting the poor... In a real giving situation the plate could be passed with those who can giving and those with needs taking from it... Now does that sound weird? Yes to most it will... because even when we give we are used to someone else determining HOW that money is spent.

We have in essence hired someone to help our poor, visit our sick, marry and bury us. And in the worst cases do our studying, praying and fasting. And that is paid for most often with the 'tithe'... no wonder we love it... what a bargain! If we 'paid up' in a real way how much harder would it be?

[Sabby]

Originally Posted by bbyrd009

I can only imagine how our individual images of tithing became so disparate; but I have never felt "extorted," and would laugh in the face of anyone who made the claims that your shorthand (I presume) above attributes to "tithing." I would have to get my ducks lined up to present a good argument, here, but this seems to be a great description of what tithing is not? Without even looking, Christ Himself as much as said that extorted money is not a tithe?

bbyrd009, You are fortunate to never have experienced some of what I consider malarkey when it comes to tithing.
You are blessed for never feeling "extorted", but I can tell you names and places in years gone by where people lived on food stamps, lost businesses, and even borrowed money to pay tithes because they were (for the lack of a better description) guilted - or extorted - into paying tithes. The worst thing any minister can say about NT tithing is that it is a NT commandment, not much unlike the claim by some pastors that it is God's tithe. The comment Jesus made to the Pharisees about tithing mint, anise and cummin was a rebuke to their own sense of importance over their own understanding of the minutae of the Law while overlooking the things that God considers important...
Yes, having finances is necessary in order to minister to the poor, the orphans, widows, sick and imprisoned but the tithing system became outdated when the old lamb was replaced by the Lamb of God, the laver of water replaced by the "sprinkling of the word", and the Holy of Holies replaced by the Holy Ghost. Behold ALL things are become new.

It is neither a New Testament "obligation" (although most apostolic pastors will disagree vehemently because it touches their income level), nor is it God's tithe, because every requirement of the Law was and is fulfilled in Jesus Christ alone. There are far too many examples for me to give you of people I know personally that have either had to apply for assistance, lose a business, or alter their lifestyle (which conversely increased the lifestyle of the pastor), some even borrowing money over the sense of guilt applied. The extortion and/or guilt over tithing is group-think that is promoted by lead pastors. I am glad that you have never had to experience it.

[bbyrd009]

Originally Posted by Sabby

The extortion and/or guilt over tithing is group-think that is promoted by lead pastors. I am glad that you have never had to experience it.

Wow, definitely sad. I have heard of this, and I see how it isn't really fair to expect people in different situations to react as I might.
I "tithe," but it is from joy, and I've always felt that God doesn't need, and likely doesn't want, any money in the equation.