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John Doe wrote: |
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AskACatholic,
I am having trouble with the tithing concept. I understand that Catholicism
does not endorse 10% tithe as a rule, but I keep falling back
to that figure since I like hard numbers. I took out my pay stubs and
did a quick search of U.S. federal expenditures to social programs (FICA,
Medicare, Medicaid, Unemployment, Welfare, etc). I calculated that slightly
more than 9% of my pre-tax income goes to charity.
Can I count
this enforced social welfare spending as charity as it
pertains to a tithe?
In short, I am torn between Romans 13:8 and 2 Corinthians 9:7.
- Does
one Scripture passage take precedence over the other?
My wife and I are relatively well off, financially. Our incomes
are more than enough for a comfortable life, but we're paying
off significant debts. We follow the D.R. plan, spending
as little as possible on our current needs but rolling every
last cent toward past debts. We can certainly afford to give
more but would not get out of debt as quickly, hampering our
ability to generate numerically greater giving's by prospering
ourselves.
Now I'm getting into a Mark 12:41-44 issue as well.
Much prayer is needed, but any insight you can provide would
be most welcome.
— John
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| { Though there's no rule, can you guide me on tithing and can I count welfare spending as charity? } |
Bob replied:
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Hi John,
You are correct in saying there is no rule for Catholics. Your conscience is your greatest rule.
Furthermore, if you find that the
Lord is sending you a particular opportunity to be charitable (again, recognized
by conscience) it is your duty to respond generously according to your
means.
If I were you, I would continue to do a bit of everything:
- aggressively
pay down debts and
- support your church and other charitable associations
as you are able, while living modestly.
God will assuredly be pleased with that.
Tithing according to a percent, in my view, does need to account for
more complex circumstances (taxes, debts, etc.). Simply put, follow your
conscience.
Peace,
Bob Kirby
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Mike replied:
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Hi, John —
You said:
My wife and I are relatively well off, financially. Our incomes
are more than enough for a comfortable life, but we're paying
off significant debts.
After you are able to pay off your debts, it would be appreciated if you would consider making a regular donation to our site and the free work we do.
I receive no financial support from the Church for any of the work I do and am financially struggling to get by. If you have enjoyed any of these services, please consider making a donation at:
https://www.AskACatholic.com/Donate
Thanks!
Mike Humphrey
Admin for:
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