It’s Not About The Money.

Some Mormons struggle with the concept of tithing – the obligation to give 10% of your income to the church every month.

I don’t.

Some will argue that they should be paying 10% of their net income and not their gross.

To those individuals I say, do you want net blessings or gross blessings?

Others will say they can’t afford to pay tithing as their children need medical care, they owe rent, bills and need to buy food for their families.

My response?

But can you afford not to pay tithing?

For me it’s about faith. I don’t pay tithing because I have to.

My motivation has nothing to do with the annual interview where I have to give an account of all of my contributions with a Bishop.

Nor does it have anything to do with the fact that withholding payment would mean being publicly shamed and denied admittance to the Temple. And it definitely has nothing to do with an irrational fear of burning in hell, born from years of indoctrination and fearmongering.

Nope none of that.

Promise.

I pay tithing because it’s the right thing to do and not because I believe it will make me incredibly rich!

But while I don’t do it in the hope of heavenly financial blessings, I have seen some pretty crazy things.

Take last month. I paid my tithing and out of nowhere had a tax rebate!

And then received money for my birthday!

INCREDIBLE!

(Granted, I would have had more money if I just hadn’t paid my tithing but that’s not the point is it)

To think God knew of this situation so far in advance, that he made the tax office make an accounting error a year ago and withhold money that was legally owed to me, to then give it back!*

Wow.

How anyone can deny these miracles is beyond me. I actually feel sorry for them.

And the birthday money?

I mean yes I did ask my parents for money but still. Mind. Blown.

I’ve heard rumblings from a few ex members about tithing. Taking issue with silly things like their tithing money being spent on mega shopping malls, hunting preserves, ranches and the like.

But who are we say to how a 120 billion dollar church spend their money?

Would I withhold my tithing if I couldn’t afford to put food on the table for my kids?

Hell no.

Would I then potentially be investigated by social services for child abuse?

Maybe.

Pfff.

In these incredibly difficult economic times when people are losing their jobs, struggling to pay mortgages, rent, and in danger of bad health it’s more important than ever for us to act in faith.

In fact, I can hear my kid coughing his guts out in the other room. She had a really high temperature this morning.

Will I take her to a doctor?

No, I can’t afford it.

But answer me this.

Who is mightier?

The doctor?

Or God?

*I could really have done with that money earlier in the year. Damn tax office.