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.

Why I Chickened Out About Starting a Salon

I actually had to look back in the blog archive to see if I've posted about why I didn't start a salon yet. I've already written this post so many times in my head apparently.

So remember when I thought of having a thoughtful place to discuss current events and big ideas over finger sandwiches and wine? Yeah, that's not going to happen.

I beat myself up about it for months. "Why don't you just do it, already!"
I've forgiven myself for not following through on something yet again.*

The main reason: I don't want to alienate my friends.

I have been slapped on the wrist for bringing Obamacare up at a picnic.
I've induced cricket-silence from a group of people over a race debate.
I have, in one lifetime, condemned and condoned nearly every religion.
I've snapped at my boss for suggesting we arm teachers with guns.
I've waffled on what I think about taxes and government programs.
I've admitted I can't tell the difference between bourbon and scotch.

See? I embarrass myself so freakin' frequently that I don't need to have people over for herbal tea and scones every Tuesday to prove that I am fallibly human.

And for anyone who was looking forward to watching me socially burn myself down having a thoughtful discussion, let's get coffee! One on one! You can film it, but you must obscure my face and voice!

--
*Try it. Go ahead right now and forgive yourself for something that you can't take back. Go ahead. You'll feel better.

Come Lord Jesus, Give Me Conspiracy!

An article about Russian door-to-door booksellers came across my Facebook news feed with the warning: "Don't let them in! They want to steal your children!"

Basically there is a rumor going around that "Russians" are coming for your kids. To sell them into human trafficking situations. They are pushy and ask about other kids in the neighborhood. You're supposed to not let them inside and not give them your neighbor's information.

 Well... duh!?

If someone is making you uncomfortable, would you want to share any information with them? And would your neighbors want you to give their deets to a salesperson anyway - even if they are just selling books?!

Good lord, people. Common sense. And how about you knock it off that you need to watch out for "a heavy foreign–usually Russian–accent; well-built; physically fit; military mannerisms or appearance". Vladimir Putin is not coming for your children. You must have fallen asleep during the 10 PM news and dreamt that Russia wants your children. They already have one-too-many of our Aryan, me-me cry babies*. And they don't even want him.

This particular rumor spreader is a contact from High School. She has a son and is extremely Conservative** and extremely Christian. Capital C on both counts! I did some research to see where she got this "news" and ... well... I've found the holy grail of bullsh*t.

Click to make the image larger.

The "About" page says:

So you want to know why we do what we do...

Did you ever feel like something is horribly wrong? Sometimes maybe you think it's all just in your head? We, at KnowTheLies.com, are SICK of being lied to! So we have made it our strict mission to show you that your nagging intuition is right. 

Here's something to consider... If it FEELS wrong... odds are it IS wrong. Always listen your intuition. Somehow we already know but just haven't realized it. 

~ KnowTheLies.com Staff

Here are a sampling of their other headlines. My favorite is highlighted.

I also came across some publicity for a seemingly upcoming movie about the REAL Obama:

But it turns out that the movie was released in 2012 and without critical acclaim.

In the Washington Post, Michael O’Sullivan described the movie as a "slick infomercial...destined to irritate the president’s supporters while mobilizing his detractors, even as it is doomed to win precious few converts", while also criticizing D'Souza for "fear-mongering of the worst kind".^[30] Bill Goody koontz of The Arizona Republic said it was "preaching to the choir" in a style similar to Michael Moore's films, but without the humor, straw men, and views from the other side.^[31]
(from Wikipedia, emphasis added.)

Fear-Monger. 

Yep. That seems to be what I would add to KnowTheLies.com's "About" page.

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*Edward Snowden
**There's nothing wrong with being conservative. Just don't also be a dumbass.

I don't know, you know?

It's about to get really philosophical, so go check out the spaceship on Google today if you just want to be entertained (it's a game!!).

I often ruminate on things until I think I have it all figured out. Like a little judge in my mind, I debate, debate, debate until the gavel drops and I pick the most well defended answer.

Two sides of the same coin: I want to think I know it all; I want to know that I don't know it all.

Big topics that I talk about here are often polarizing. And I always choose a side, however hasitly or ill-informed*. I am trying to not do that so much. I want to challenge what I think I know and be open to changing my mind. I think it's essential.

For instance, we watched "Atlas Shrugged" parts 1 and 2 this weekend and I tried NOT to stomp out of the room.

So to turn completely around from my usual, shameful "know it all" model, here are some things I don't know. I won't follow it up with a list of things I do know (although I am tempted). Comment, readers. I want to know your thoughts on my list or other things you don't know.

• I don't know if foreign aid is a good thing.
• I don't know if dairy is bad for humans.
• I don't know what benefits corporations create for themselves by giving out big bonuses and little salaries to their leaders, instead of just a salary. 
• I don't think all recycling collected is actually recycled.
• I don't know how to punish my dog.
• I'm not sure hell is real.
• I don't know if all children (not the individual child, but the circumstances** of having a child) are a blessing.
• I don't know if it overall matters if we buy local/sustainable/green/ethical products.
• I don't know who's really at fault for September 11th.

*Aren't we all, comparatively?

** Considering definition: a happy event or state of affairs

"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.