I think it is important to tithe money because money has a strong pull in our culture as a source of power and idolatry. Really, we should be giving God the first of everything He blesses us with--including time and such. But yes, I believe tithing from your money is an important habit. It reminds your flesh "money is not in control, God is in control".

Deuteronomy 8 was what convicted me in this area.

~V

"Now about the collection for God's people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. 2On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. 3Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem."

@Hecalmsthestorm@xanga - My grandpa has been a pastor for nearly 40 years and he's not so sure about tithing on net or gross either but he does say, "It makes a difference on whether you want a net or gross blessing."  Doesn't answer the question, but it always makes me smile!

I think tithing is wrong, because that money should to towards helping the poor.  Church can be held in someone's basement, I don't care, but collection should go towards people who really need it, period.

Everyone seems to think that tithing is giving to God.  But God and the church are not the same thing!

@NavajoPrincess27@xanga and @Hecalmsthestorm@xanga - so you get extra blessed the more money you give to your church?

The very idea is sickening. 

@Hecalmsthestorm@xanga - I'm very much in favor of helping others with time, donations, or even money.
But I don't trust a church, which ALWAYS has other interests, to put my (or your) money to the best possible use in serving those in need.

Just to add-

The televangelist idea of "planting your seed" is revolting. Since when did God start selling lottery tickets? The more you give, the greater chance you'll be amply rewarded!!!!

I'm not going to even broach the topic of giving money in attempt to receive healing from God. I'm afraid I would barf on my keyboard if I had to continue.

there's a verse that ay God like it when we take delight in offering him the best of our crops.   10% of watever i make goes to Him immediately and my time and other skills, I try to devote to him everyday.   

Though tithing an exact 10% is not required in the New Testament as rigourously as it was in the Old Testament, we still are required to support the Church and the priests with our monetary gifts. As the Scriptures say:

Who serveth as a soldier at any time, at his own charges? Who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? Who feedeth the flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? Speak I these things according to man? Or doth not the law also say these things? For it is written in the law of Moses: Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? Or doth he say this indeed for our sakes? For these things are written for our sakes: that he that plougheth, should plough in hope; and he that thrasheth, in hope to receive fruit. If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great matter if we reap your carnal things? If others be partakers of this power over you, why not we rather? Nevertheless, we have not used this power: but we bear all things, lest we should give any hindrance to the gospel of Christ.

Obviously, St. Paul expected to be paid in some portion for his clerical duties to the various churches to which he ministered. And whilst the ten per cent associated with a "tithe" is not specifically mentioned, many have considered it to be the standard Christian tithe for a long time.

@la_faerie_joyeuse@xanga - Priests and bishops have to get paid in order to eat, live, and survive. Tithes cover that. Tithes cover the chapels, the sanctuaries, the vestments, the sacred vessels and all the things that make a church what it is.

And yes, a lot of the money also goes to the poor. That's why most churches have budgets - so that you can see what your money is going to. In fact, most churches have relatively large ministries set up to help poor people and those in need of the things that most take for granted.

Priests are in the business of saving souls, and they do it as a full-time job. Giving your tithe to the Church is indeed giving it to God, as the clergy are in the service of God. People that try to separate the Church from God as if they are somehow diametrically opposed miss the greatest attribute of the Church: it is the mystical body of Christ, and, as St. Cyprian said, he who does not have the Church for his Mother cannot have God for his Father.

@la_faerie_joyeuse@xanga - I completely understand.  I, too, am in favor of directly helping others.  That is the best way we can show love for one another.  About the church, I understand that too.  Churches are made up of people.  People are sinners, Christian or not.  People are prideful.  That is not a good mix sometimes.  But in the end the only thing that matters to God is what did each of us do for Him by helping others.  Remember Jesus said the old woman who gave only two coins gave more than anyone.  He said that because He knew her heart and he knew the spirit in which she gave.  And she gave all she had.

@Nathon@xanga - well said!!

For me, the main reason I give is to worship God and to have joy in doing so. It's cliched but true when people say "it's a matter of the heart". You could give all your money away, yet do so reluctantly and your worship would be dead. Or you could give nothing, but if you give nothing than it is more of a question of "where does your heart lie: In God or the world?". Another reason to give which is a little more obvious is to keep the church going. Also, I know a lot of the money from my church goes to youth programs, missions trips and food programs.

One question though, where did this idea that you should give 10% come from? Do you give out of either worship or reluctance when you put this barrier on giving? If you don't want to give to the church, but give 10% anyway, is that glorifying to God?