Do you tithe, and if so how do you tithe?

[musette_sf]

I am working with some New Thought prosperity readings, and I keep getting confronted with the concept of tithing.

Now that I am working on getting my head around the idea of tithing, I'm questioning what my next step is.

At first I thought that if I donated to organizations that do good service (in my opinion and worldview), then that would be okay. But further readings state that the tithe should be to an organization that works to support and spread the spiritual beliefs that I support.

If you tithe, what/who/where do you tithe to? The most obvious solution would be to tithe to my church. But I hardly ever attend any type of church or group, and don't really feel a call to do so.

I study Religious Science, if that helps. Thanks.

[wildflower]

1. To me...

What is most important is giving in order to help others and support the interconnectedness and health of the earth and all its life forms.

So any donations I make in that regard are what I consider that to be my tithing.

But I am not really affiliated with any particular church, so that is simply what it means to me. It is my way of giving to a higher purpose.

-wildflower

[Ranec]

2. I pledge to my church,

but it certainly isn't a tithe.

I think that it is more important to be generous than it is where exactly the money goes. Setting aside a portion of your income each month before you get into all of your expenses is a good way to insure generosity. I think this is easier to do for a local organization so that you can see the money working.

[Maat]

3. Yes, your fellow Religious Scientist here.

I know that as we give, so shall we receive; so, I'm aware of the Law of Prosperity - that abundance is ours.

I know that as my giving grows, the prosperity that comes to me will grow also.

That being said, I donate a relatively modest amount each Sunday to my CRS church because I also donate to Americans United for Separation of Church and State, People for the American Way, NARAL, PFLAG, and local community efforts. And I donate to DU and Democracy for America.

How about the Interfaith Alliance? Or Soulforce?

It is hard to find a New Thought National Effort. So, I appreciate what you are saying. There should be. Maybe I will suggest it.

And I'm going to do some research into a national food distribution effort that I think is objective, secular and effective.

You know, if you would ever like me to send you Rev. Pat's sermon on CD , PM me; I'd be glad to. Each CD is only $5. I also have our program with the weekly affirmations we state - every week. And, if you sign up at religiousscience.org, they will send you the daily affirmations. That's just if you want to set something up at home.

I figure if we each set up a home altar, have a CD to listen to (one for a talk, one for some good mystical music), and have some great affirmations together. Heck, we could each do our own service at home.

Thoughts?

Peace and Blessings,

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

4. one of the 5 pillars of Islam

is to give to charity (though traditionally it isn't 1/10 of your income, which is where the word 'tithe' came from).

I donate a set sum per month to the Sufi Order International and also pay for and maintain the Church of All website of Murshida Tasnim, my husband's teacher.

The Beloved Prophet said that giving to others didn't just mean money. If someone was very poor, they could still give by a smile, helping others, or even by being thankful and grateful.

[Maat]

5. Wow, that is wonderful, Ayeshahaqqiqa!

n/t