[Sly Fox]

CBS News ran a story Sunday on a subject that hits very close to home for all of us ... tithing.

To Tithe Or Not To Tithe?
Sunday Morning: A Spirited Debate Over The Power Of Giving In The Lives Of Believers

March 2, 2008

(CBS) Tithing, the giving of one tenth of one’s income to a religious group, has its roots in the Old Testament. But some Christians are questioning it, and the answers might surprise you. In an era when contributions to religious groups are growing more slowly than other charitable giving, and as Congress takes a closer look at the finances of some televangelists, Martha Teichner examines the controversy over tithing, and meets some inspiring people who strongly believe in the power of generosity.



Pastor Marty Baker is a believer in the idea. "When Jesus says, 'I will build the church,' he says, financially, I've got a system for you," Baker preaches, "It's called tithing."

Tithing means giving a tenth of your income - and church construction is exactly what pastor Marty Baker is pitching his congregation to pay for.

"God doesn't fund the church through bingo nights, pancake suppers and chicken dinners," Baker says. "God funds the church through people willing to commit to the tithe."

Over twenty years, tithing has helped transform Stevens Creek Church in Augusta, Georgia from a few people in somebody's living room to a megachurch in the making.

"Without tithing, we would not be here," says Baker. "I would say that the tithe probably would be around 70% of our overall budget. The tithe is the heartbeat of our church."

Giving is central to most religions, a principle of faith. Americans donate $295 billion a year to charity, with just under a third of it - $97 billion - to religious organizations.

On average, Christians are giving about 2.5 percent of their income to churches, not ten, and no matter how much good it does, tithing is controversial.

"We believe that everything the churches teach about tithing is wrong," author Russell Kelly says.

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I see a number of what I believe to be false premises throughout the story. But I think this might make for a good topic of discussion.

[4everfsu]

Those who don't want to tithe will find every excuse not to tithe. I think they should find a church that doesn't tithe and join

[ATrain]

All I've got to say is that ever since I started tithing my freshman year (10% of $20 weekly given to me by my parents until I got a job...and then 10% of the money from the job), I've never had to worry about money. I'm not saying tithing will solve financial problems or trying to preach that tithing brings rewards, but in my own life I've seen a definite difference before and after I started.

[grm]

I believe in tithing as a starting point, and as a rule of thumb. It definitely came before the law. I don't particularly judge some of the old ladies (people my age) who are living on an $860 social security check and have a rent bill of $600,
but I believe everybody should always give something, even if it's only a buck.