Thoughtful Thursday: Tithing

Hey kidlets. I've got a lot of things I need to talk about.

List for accountability's sake:
- How busy I've been and what my real opinion of "busy" is.
- A pulse check on my religion. That me in the corner...
- The red herring of the Republican party
- Closed-minded prejudice and the rumors it births
- A follow up from my performance review
- A Roo-update, as she's the real reason you're all here.

But today, somehow, I have the mustard to talk bout tithing.

Tithing: one-tenth part of something, paid as a contribution to a religious organization or compulsory tax to government.

I haven't called myself a part of the little-c church (a local, physical community) in years. I haven't called myself a part of the big-C Church (the world-wide community of the like-minded) in at least a year. I just don't think I've ever declared it to anyone. But that's another post about me in the corner, losing my religion. 

I wanted to talk about tithing (or offering, or putting pennies in the collection plate, or mission trips, or serving in Sunday school, or not taking vaccines, or praying the gay away, or trusting your pastor more than your financial/medical/psychological adviser... deep breath).

I barely tithed when I was in the church (somehow didn't see how my mega-church of traders, lawyers and blinged-up film makers needed my $20/week), but now I am so averse to giving to organizations that have a religious motive that I feel like I want to pull out of some long term commitments. 

For instance, I have a friend to whom I give for her annual salary. She is a "missionary" with Campus Crusade for Christ*. I feel that giving to her salary only promotes pushy evangelism. I am trying really hard to have no opinion of anyone's religion. But as a former insider I feel its is not only dishonest that I support Cru's mission but it is also hurtful because I'm starting to resent the recurring charges and call for prayer support. 

I wonder if taking this money away from her will cause her to lose her job. Or if the people she's disciplining are really getting help from her (emotional support, stable friendship, a meal, etc.).

And remember when I felt torn by giving to World Vision to support Syrian refugees? When all war is caused by religion. 

You heard right. Read it again. I thought it before. Bill Maher (however crass) has said it. And a sweet, Alabama-born veteran I met on the plane to Seattle last week, also named Bill, reaffirmed it. 

I have no problem with giving. In fact, I love to give. The Mr. and I set aside money each month and enjoy spending it on people who need it and causes that make the world better. 

I just wonder if I should take that money out of religious causes and give it to Kiva or UNICEF or Paws. 

What would you do? 

Who would/do you give to? 

Does an organization's religious affiliation affect your giving?

*Never mind that the organization is trying to "take back" the word "crusade" as if it wasn't a self-righteous Jesus-mask for stealing people's land, lives and rights.

"Dump a wineskin of perfume on Jesus’ feet and wipe it off with your hair already!"

New kiosk takes your tithing!

Now, they might seem a little spendy. An upright Giving Kiosk is $3,895, but their website says most churches see a 20% increase in tithes. So even if your church can’t afford the pastor’s life insurance right now, that 20% increase track record should have it paying for itself pretty soon (and maybe even for some new daylight projectors, MacBook Pros, thermal-regulated baptismal tanks, plexiglass sound-isolated drum kit booths, plasma screens and worship woofers). And if a church really can’t afford it, they can even lease the kiosk. - via "Stuff Christian Culture Likes"

Not making fun, just pointing at the ridiculousness of it all. And maybe making a little fun.

 

Math, Math, Math ... Elvira!

I belong to flash sale sites like Fab.com, Ideeli, Rue La La, Jetsetter, Groupon, Joss and Main, etc.

And have logins to other favorite online stores like ASOS, ShopRuche, Everlane, etc.

I occasionally click on the email promptings or log on to see how I can spend my money.

I need a lot of things:

reliable winter tights
a rug for our living room
a trip somewhere tropical in February
a chandelier for our dinning room
scented candles for housewarming gifts
sweaters that pair well with button downs
comfortable flats for the office

Did I say need? I mean, first-world-need/want.

Thankfully I get overwhelmed when I have two things in my cart and end up closing the browser window in a panic.

Was I really about to spend $100 on 2 sweaters?

I know that this is a lot of money to some and not so much money to others. For sweaters anyway.

The past few clothing purchases I've made have been hit-or-miss in satisfaction. I even find that the more I weed my closet of the unwearables, the easier it is to get dressed.

You have one pair of black pants and 4 sweaters that look good with those pants and 2 pairs of shoes that hit the hemline just-so, so you only have ... math, math, math ... 8 options for an outfit. Easy!

But you know what I have no problem spending money on? Others who really need it.

I love to love people with my credit card. And I can't tell if that statement is endearing or sad.

So when I got an email prompting from Kiva this morning, I click-clicked through to find Elvira's story and click-clicked to help her buy charcoal to sell.

from Kiva.org

She lives in the Philippines where the average annual salary is $1175. She needs a $400 loan to continue her business (... math, math, math, that's 8 fancy sweaters).

So if you feel like going on a shopping spree to help people all over the world with a lil' micro-lending, check out Kiva. And when you get paid back (and I usually do), you can relend the money for even MORE giving and shopping!


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I am in no way compensated for this post. I just really love Kiva and believe in their mission.