Tithing/Fast Offerings
TITHING:
I have a hard time wanting to pay tithing to the church and then have no way of knowing how it's being used. You can tell me that tithing is to further the work and blah blah, but all that means to me is that tithing is used to build churches and temples, and whatever else a group of brethren sees fit. I don't like that. Why can't I know exactly what my money is going to? We pay thousands every year! I get nothing in return. Seems like a bad investment to me.
When we give tithing, it should be a voluntary donation to help the church. It is not set up that way for our church. Its "Voluntary", but it's really required to be a member. You have to give to the church to be a member in good standing; you have to give to be worthy to get into the temples. It's not voluntary, it's required. Have you ever even thought about this? Also, when you give tithing to the church, you're not giving it to the lord like they say; you're giving it to the church to use.
I don’t think that the sole reason I got through college was because I paid tithing to the lord and the lord blessed me. I truly believe the lord blessed me and helped me through pharmacy school, but I don't believe that it is a result 100% because I paid my tithing.
I know where the money goes when we pay tithing. It goes to Salt Lake, and they divvy it up as they see fit. No one could tell me exactly where my money went. They don't keep track of it like that. We assume it's being used as it's supposed to, but we don't know that. Doesn't that make you worry? It does me.
I feel that it is a waste. Many months have gone by and I get less and less from church. The church has a way of putting doubts and negative things on the person, not on the church. I get nothing from church; in fact I just get angry at church, because I don't agree with attitudes and things that are said there. Maybe it's only me. I feel that I am being forced to go to church every week when I don't want to. I feel that I get nothing out of church. Shouldn't we be happy to go to church? Well I'm not, and so I don't want to support the church.
“Joseph Smith and Sydney Rigdon produced D&C 119:4 (1838). It states (emphasis added):
And after that, those who have been thus tithed shall pay one-tenth of all their interest annually; and this shall be a standing LAW unto them FOREVER, for my holy priesthood, saith the Lord.
Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines "interest" as any surplus advantage. Webster's defines "advantage" in pertinent part, as interest; increase; overplus.
In the 1820's, the word "interest" was synonymous with the phrase "surplus advantage."
This is what tithing meant back when the Law of Tithing was instituted… a 1/10th of your surplus, not increase. Back in the day, people would get paid, then take care of all of their expenses, and THEN pay their tithing of their overplus or surplus. That’s the way it WAS done. Then in 1970, the bretheren changed the meaning…
Then, back in 1964, Howard W. Hunter stated this…
"The law is simply stated as 'one-tenth of all their interest.' Interest means profit, compensation, and increase. It is the wage of one employed the profit from the operation of a business, the increase of one who grows or produces, or the income to a person from any other source.
The Lord said it is a standing law "forever" as it has been in the past.
*In 1970, the bretheren cleared up what is meant…
“On March 19, 1970, the First Presidency sent a letter to presidents of stakes and missions, bishops of wards, and presidents of branches in answer to the question, What is a proper tithe? For your guidance in this matter, please be advised that we have uniformly replied that the simplest statement we know of is that statement of the Lord himself that the members of the Church should pay one-tenth of all their interest annually, which is understood to mean income. No one is justified in making any other statement than this. We feel that every member of the Church should be entitled to make his own decision as to what he thinks he owes the Lord, and to make payment accordingly.
The General Handbook of Instructions quotes from the March 19, 1970 letter from the First Presidency sets forth a definition of what is tithed. Here is a portion of the General Handbook of Instructions from that section: “The simplest statement we know of is the statement of the Lord himself, namely that the members of the Church should pay "one-tenth of all their interest annually," which is understood to mean income. No one is justified in making any other statement than this. (First Presidency letter, 19 Mar. 1970; see also D&C 119:4).””
Then, back in 1964, Howard W. Hunter stated this… "The law is simply stated as 'one-tenth of all their interest.' Interest means profit, compensation, and increase. It is the wage of one employed the profit from the operation of a business, the increase of one who grows or produces, or the income to a person from any other source. The Lord said it is a standing law "forever" as it has been in the past.”
MY THOUGHTS: It’s a 10th of our excess after taking care of our monthly needs… aka (bills, food, shelter, etc). I will end with a quote that I think sums up nicely how I feel on the subject… “I require all their surplus property to be put into the hands of the bishop" Let us consider for a moment this word 'surplus.' What does it mean when applied to a man and his property? Surplus cannot mean that which is indispensably necessary for any given purpose, but what remains after supplying what is needed for that purpose. Is not the first and most necessary use of a man's property that he feed, clothe and provide a home for himself and family! Was not 'surplus property,' that which was over and above a comfortable and necessary substance? In the light of what had transpired and of subsequent events, what else could it mean? Can we take any other view of it when we consider the circumstances under which it was given in far west, in July, 1838? I have been unable in studying this subject to find any other definition of the term 'surplus,' as used in this revelation, than the one I have just given. I find that it was so understood and recorded by the Bishops and people in those days, as well as by the prophet Joseph himself, who was unquestionably the ablest and best exponent of this revelation.
(Franklin D. Richards, Nov. 6, 1882. JD 23:313. (Emphasis added)”)
FAST OFFERINGS:
Wiki states... Fast offering is the term used in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) to denote money or usable commodities donated to that church, which are then available to provide financial help to those in need. The local bishop or branch president is responsible for the use of the fast offering resources to those in need, and is usually assisted by other local church leaders to identify individuals and families to receive assistance and to disburse the resources. Members are encouraged to fast once a month on Fast Sunday and to give the money they save by not eating two meals to the church; those who can afford to be more generous are encouraged to give more than simply the money saved as a fast offering
Here's a quick recap according to LDS.org on what happens to the fast offering funds...
Here’s a quick look at what happens after you fill out the donation slip.
1. Aaronic Priesthood holders help collect fast offerings and then turn them in to the bishopric. Members also include fast offerings in their donations to the Church.
2. The bishopric then deposits all the donations in a bank account. The funds are carefully accounted for and managed by Church employees. Each ward is then given funds according to the needs of its members. 1
3. With the help of the Relief Society president and other ward leaders, the bishop determines the needs of the families in the ward. Usually the bishop does not give money to the person being assisted but pays directly for the things the person needs. A family can receive help in the form of commodities (like groceries), payment of certain obligations (like rent or medical bills), or other aid.
4. If a Church facility such as a bishops’ storehouse or a Deseret Industries store is nearby, the bishop or Relief Society president can help a family fill out an order form so that the family can obtain specific items from those facilities. 2
5. With a bishop’s order form, the family can go to a bishops’ storehouse to get necessary groceries or to a Deseret Industries store to get clothing and other goods.
6. Those who receive help are expected to work for what they receive, if they are able. For example, they may stock shelves at the bishops’ storehouse, help clean Church property, or perform other assignments from their bishop.
MY THOUGHTS: So if fast offerings are used at the local level, and used to help feed the hungry, clothe the needy, and help the poor out, how come we give so little to the community, when we are required to give 10% of our income to the church to further the chuch's agenda? I personally think the roles should be swapped. Tithing should be used to feed the hungry, and give back to your local community, and the fast offerings can be used to further the church's agenda and build the kingdom. THIS would make such a difference in the world.
I have a hard time wanting to pay tithing to the church and then have no way of knowing how it's being used. You can tell me that tithing is to further the work and blah blah, but all that means to me is that tithing is used to build churches and temples, and whatever else a group of brethren sees fit. I don't like that. Why can't I know exactly what my money is going to? We pay thousands every year! I get nothing in return. Seems like a bad investment to me.
When we give tithing, it should be a voluntary donation to help the church. It is not set up that way for our church. Its "Voluntary", but it's really required to be a member. You have to give to the church to be a member in good standing; you have to give to be worthy to get into the temples. It's not voluntary, it's required. Have you ever even thought about this? Also, when you give tithing to the church, you're not giving it to the lord like they say; you're giving it to the church to use.
I don’t think that the sole reason I got through college was because I paid tithing to the lord and the lord blessed me. I truly believe the lord blessed me and helped me through pharmacy school, but I don't believe that it is a result 100% because I paid my tithing.
I know where the money goes when we pay tithing. It goes to Salt Lake, and they divvy it up as they see fit. No one could tell me exactly where my money went. They don't keep track of it like that. We assume it's being used as it's supposed to, but we don't know that. Doesn't that make you worry? It does me.
I feel that it is a waste. Many months have gone by and I get less and less from church. The church has a way of putting doubts and negative things on the person, not on the church. I get nothing from church; in fact I just get angry at church, because I don't agree with attitudes and things that are said there. Maybe it's only me. I feel that I am being forced to go to church every week when I don't want to. I feel that I get nothing out of church. Shouldn't we be happy to go to church? Well I'm not, and so I don't want to support the church.
“Joseph Smith and Sydney Rigdon produced D&C 119:4 (1838). It states (emphasis added):
And after that, those who have been thus tithed shall pay one-tenth of all their interest annually; and this shall be a standing LAW unto them FOREVER, for my holy priesthood, saith the Lord.
Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines "interest" as any surplus advantage. Webster's defines "advantage" in pertinent part, as interest; increase; overplus.
In the 1820's, the word "interest" was synonymous with the phrase "surplus advantage."
This is what tithing meant back when the Law of Tithing was instituted… a 1/10th of your surplus, not increase. Back in the day, people would get paid, then take care of all of their expenses, and THEN pay their tithing of their overplus or surplus. That’s the way it WAS done. Then in 1970, the bretheren changed the meaning…
Then, back in 1964, Howard W. Hunter stated this…
"The law is simply stated as 'one-tenth of all their interest.' Interest means profit, compensation, and increase. It is the wage of one employed the profit from the operation of a business, the increase of one who grows or produces, or the income to a person from any other source.
The Lord said it is a standing law "forever" as it has been in the past.
*In 1970, the bretheren cleared up what is meant…
“On March 19, 1970, the First Presidency sent a letter to presidents of stakes and missions, bishops of wards, and presidents of branches in answer to the question, What is a proper tithe? For your guidance in this matter, please be advised that we have uniformly replied that the simplest statement we know of is that statement of the Lord himself that the members of the Church should pay one-tenth of all their interest annually, which is understood to mean income. No one is justified in making any other statement than this. We feel that every member of the Church should be entitled to make his own decision as to what he thinks he owes the Lord, and to make payment accordingly.
The General Handbook of Instructions quotes from the March 19, 1970 letter from the First Presidency sets forth a definition of what is tithed. Here is a portion of the General Handbook of Instructions from that section: “The simplest statement we know of is the statement of the Lord himself, namely that the members of the Church should pay "one-tenth of all their interest annually," which is understood to mean income. No one is justified in making any other statement than this. (First Presidency letter, 19 Mar. 1970; see also D&C 119:4).””
Then, back in 1964, Howard W. Hunter stated this… "The law is simply stated as 'one-tenth of all their interest.' Interest means profit, compensation, and increase. It is the wage of one employed the profit from the operation of a business, the increase of one who grows or produces, or the income to a person from any other source. The Lord said it is a standing law "forever" as it has been in the past.”
MY THOUGHTS: It’s a 10th of our excess after taking care of our monthly needs… aka (bills, food, shelter, etc). I will end with a quote that I think sums up nicely how I feel on the subject… “I require all their surplus property to be put into the hands of the bishop" Let us consider for a moment this word 'surplus.' What does it mean when applied to a man and his property? Surplus cannot mean that which is indispensably necessary for any given purpose, but what remains after supplying what is needed for that purpose. Is not the first and most necessary use of a man's property that he feed, clothe and provide a home for himself and family! Was not 'surplus property,' that which was over and above a comfortable and necessary substance? In the light of what had transpired and of subsequent events, what else could it mean? Can we take any other view of it when we consider the circumstances under which it was given in far west, in July, 1838? I have been unable in studying this subject to find any other definition of the term 'surplus,' as used in this revelation, than the one I have just given. I find that it was so understood and recorded by the Bishops and people in those days, as well as by the prophet Joseph himself, who was unquestionably the ablest and best exponent of this revelation.
(Franklin D. Richards, Nov. 6, 1882. JD 23:313. (Emphasis added)”)
FAST OFFERINGS:
Wiki states... Fast offering is the term used in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) to denote money or usable commodities donated to that church, which are then available to provide financial help to those in need. The local bishop or branch president is responsible for the use of the fast offering resources to those in need, and is usually assisted by other local church leaders to identify individuals and families to receive assistance and to disburse the resources. Members are encouraged to fast once a month on Fast Sunday and to give the money they save by not eating two meals to the church; those who can afford to be more generous are encouraged to give more than simply the money saved as a fast offering
Here's a quick recap according to LDS.org on what happens to the fast offering funds...
Here’s a quick look at what happens after you fill out the donation slip.
1. Aaronic Priesthood holders help collect fast offerings and then turn them in to the bishopric. Members also include fast offerings in their donations to the Church.
2. The bishopric then deposits all the donations in a bank account. The funds are carefully accounted for and managed by Church employees. Each ward is then given funds according to the needs of its members. 1
3. With the help of the Relief Society president and other ward leaders, the bishop determines the needs of the families in the ward. Usually the bishop does not give money to the person being assisted but pays directly for the things the person needs. A family can receive help in the form of commodities (like groceries), payment of certain obligations (like rent or medical bills), or other aid.
4. If a Church facility such as a bishops’ storehouse or a Deseret Industries store is nearby, the bishop or Relief Society president can help a family fill out an order form so that the family can obtain specific items from those facilities. 2
5. With a bishop’s order form, the family can go to a bishops’ storehouse to get necessary groceries or to a Deseret Industries store to get clothing and other goods.
6. Those who receive help are expected to work for what they receive, if they are able. For example, they may stock shelves at the bishops’ storehouse, help clean Church property, or perform other assignments from their bishop.
MY THOUGHTS: So if fast offerings are used at the local level, and used to help feed the hungry, clothe the needy, and help the poor out, how come we give so little to the community, when we are required to give 10% of our income to the church to further the chuch's agenda? I personally think the roles should be swapped. Tithing should be used to feed the hungry, and give back to your local community, and the fast offerings can be used to further the church's agenda and build the kingdom. THIS would make such a difference in the world.
REFERENCES
- http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/advantage
- http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interest
- http://puremormonism.blogspot.com/2012/12/are-we-paying-too-much-tithing.html
- http://www.mormonthink.com/tithing.htm
- http://www.salamandersociety.com/foyer/tithing/
- http://mormoncurtain.com/topic_tithing.html
- http://investigations.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/08/13/13262285-mormon-church-earns-7-billion-a-year-from-tithing-analysis-indicates
- https://www.lds.org/new-era/2008/05/where-do-fast-offerings-go?lang=eng
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fast_offering
- https://www.lds.org/topics/fasting-and-fast-offerings?lang=eng