Faith

Church Tithing Gets a Major Revamp With This Digital ‘Offering Plate’

Tithing, the act of giving a portion — typically 10 percent — of one’s income to churches and the like, is commonplace in Christian communities. While the monies collected are needed to ensure that churches continue to operate, the process of fund collection can sometimes be intrusive or unpleasant.

So, a technology company, recognizing the awkwardness that sometimes comes with tithing, has created a simpler and easier way for congregants to donate to their churches. Computer programmers in New Carolina have come together to create GivingKIOSK, a company devoted to producing touch-screen software that allows churches to abandon, or simply add to, the traditional practice of passing an offering plate around the pews.

GivingKIOSK Creates New Tech Savvy Way to Tithe at Church

A snapshot of the GivingKIOSK interface (Image Credit: ImageKIOSK.com)

Instead, with the company’s cool, innovative developments, parishioners can simply use a touch-screen to input debit and credit card information — a more tech-friendly and, arguably, a less-obtrusive approach to giving. Plus, considering the changing demographics of churches and the need to attract young people who generally don’t carry cash around, this may end up being a welcome change for many houses of worship.

“Too many Church organizations do not have the convenience of paying by credit card or debit and losing the ability to capture Tithes and Offerings that the church may not have otherwise received,” the company’s web site proclaims. “Checks are on the decline and the Church community needs a way to keep up with the changing landscape of the younger generation. GivingKIOSK was developed and designed to meet this need.”

GivingKIOSK Creates New Tech Savvy Way to Tithe at Church

A snapshot of the GivingKIOSK interface (Image Credit: ImageKIOSK.com)

According to the company, GibingKIOSK is already being used in churches across America. From small congregations to large ones, its usage is universal.

Below, check out a video that showcases how the technology works:

(H/T: Business Insider)

Comments (103)

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  • Wu Ming Ren
    Posted on June 15, 2012 at 4:56pm

    Just last Sunday, my pastor talked about works, faith, and grace. If anyone would care to view that sermon and post their comments, I invited you to visit the following link:

    http://www.lwcc.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=18&Itemid=39

    Sorry, but you’ll have to listen to several minutes of praise and worship to get to the message, but it is worth it to hold on for the message that follows.

    P.S. I wish The Blaze had a “subscribe to comments” feature, like Townhall has. Then I could focus just on your comments, but I will do my best to keep checking back to this thread over the next few days. Thanks for all who might listen and comment on the message.

    Report Post »  
  • Wu Ming Ren
    Posted on June 15, 2012 at 4:34pm

    Interesting discussion on the correctness of providing tithes & offerings to one’s church.

    To the question of the correctness of using a credit card, I say there is no issue if you are not borrowing in order to give. I use a debit card, which takes my tithe and offerings directly from my bank account. The beauty of this is that I have it budgeted and on days when I am out of town on a Sunday, my tithes and offerings are still made available for spreading the gospel and supporing my church.

    To the question of the correctness of tithing under the Old Covenent or the New, as opposed to the workings of grace, I say I tithe because I am living under grace, not condemnation. I tithe freely and without obligation or fear, because I know I am already saved by grace, but there are many in the world who have not yet heard the Word of God or the message of saving grace. They will not hear that message if I sit on my wallet.

    To the question of recordkeeping for tax deductions, I say, “And Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’ And they marveled at Him.” So long as Ceasar allows me to take a deduction, I will do so. However, I believe we would be far better off in this nation if tax law were amended to disallow the deduction, for it is a gag in the mouths of our clergy. For this reason alone, it is unlikely that the political class will want to dissolve the deduction allowed for tithes & off

    Report Post »  
    • LetUsReason
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 5:50pm

      To your first point: I agree with you. I can get behind using debit cards, as it is only cash in electronic form. It seems both a valid and responsible form of payment….convenient, too.

      To your second point: In my opinion, arguing about which people in which time did what seems fruitless. Although policy within a church may change, truth does not. God expected those of old to sacrifice for the building of the kingdom, and I would imagine that he hasn’t changed his mind on that. I find those who insist that they don’t have to do much of anything since they were saved on April 8th, 1972, to be quite ridiculous. In summary, I think we basically agree.

      To your third point: Agreed. There should be no guilt in seeking tax deductions for charitable contributions. Heck, if you can pay the government less money, doesn’t that mean you can afford to be more charitable? Yes, yes it does.

      Report Post »  
    • jwt
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 8:34pm

      giving is good – maybe each day is the lords, and what we have is his to spend including our lives. no day above another all our his people, maybe the seventh day was the first step of grace.

      Report Post »  
    • jimhill58
      Posted on June 16, 2012 at 8:24am

      And when you give, give in secret because your Heavenly sees in secret and will reward you openly. If you give with a credit card somebody there at the church knows how much you give and will respect you accordingly.

      Report Post » jimhill58  
  • girlnurse
    Posted on June 15, 2012 at 4:07pm

    I no longer live under the law. Jesus new convenant did NOT include the tithe and if a preacher doesn’t tell you that he is lying. Give liberally to those in need. Do NOT give to a church who just pays the preacher a big house and car and staff…look at what they do. If you feel confident that they give liberally to the poor and needy, spread the gospel, and help fellow men in trouble then by all means give. Make sure they are carrying the gospel around the world and making disciples–that is what Jesus commanded us to do. Please don’t give to a dead church. If you want to give and trust that your money is helping the needs of little orphans and giving them the gospel please go here: You will be blessed and your children will write you and you can visit them and make a HUGE difference in their life.
    http://www.compassion.com/

    Report Post » girlnurse  
    • do_it_all_again
      Posted on June 16, 2012 at 2:10am

      @girlnurse,,
      the tithe existed before the law, Abraham tithed, he lived before the law, and Jesus said to give to Cesar what is Cesar’s, and to GOD what is GOD’s, so i dont know why people always say the tithe was under the law,, when it clearly existed before the law of Moses, and Jesus said we were to continue to do it, even if He did not specifically use the word tithe, this is what he was referring to.

      Report Post »  
    • girlnurse
      Posted on June 16, 2012 at 5:09am

      I disagree…abrahams offering was a one time thing and he never said we had to repeat but thats beside the point. Jesus never said give to a neighborhood building so that your pastor can have a nice house and car. I give way more than 10% anyway ( to Gods work) and give happily how the spirit leads me. Its ALL Gods anyway. It is not a law for us much the same way we don’t sacrifice goats or tithe mint and all our spices like the Jews did back in the day.

      girlnurse  
    • searching for the Truth
      Posted on June 16, 2012 at 9:41am

      What one sees in Abraham one will see in his seed , Israel.

      Report Post »  
    • thruth619
      Posted on June 17, 2012 at 8:15am

      This is not true Jesus did speak about tithing just read Matthew and the book of Hebrews the question is what came first the law or the tithe? God does not change He says the Tithe is Holy, so tithing is not a law it is part of giving thanks unto God.

      Report Post »  
    • lilly77
      Posted on June 18, 2012 at 8:11am

      Abraham tithed once, but it was not his money. It was what he took from war, plus he gave the rest to the King of Sodom. Genesis 14:21 The law of the tithe is stated in Deut. 14, it had to do with feasting and giving to the poor.

      Report Post »  
  • titheman
    Posted on June 15, 2012 at 3:53pm

    I believe the tithe was not an income tax, as we think of it today. The book of Numbers described it as “the tithe on land.“ The reason for this was that God said ”For the land is mine, and you are but strangers and guests on it.” The Levites were exempt from the tithe becasue they had no inheritance in land, not because they had no income. They had plenty of income, holding all the town occupations that served the agricultural economy, only having to serve at the Ark for one week out of every twenty-four.
    So the tithe was a land rent, not an income tax. God felt that what a man created was his own property, and that neither the church nor the community had any legal or moral claim to it. He was never too keen on slavery.
    The tithe also provided for all the public revenue that the community needed. Only the best 10% of the tithe went off to the religious establishment. The rest, about 90% of the tithe, funded what we would today call civil government, although in a theocracy that was considered sacred too. No wonder we’re confused. God also said that the tihe would be enough – and it was.
    Guess what? No taxes on labor, no taxes on capital – this economy was very prosperous and free – when they followed the Law.

    Report Post »  
    • Alex
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 4:11pm

      Thank you for the historical insight.

      Report Post »  
    • LetUsReason
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 5:41pm

      TITHEMAN? Lol! Did you create an account just for this article? Either way, you‘d make a hip n happenin’ superhero to protect the clergy from the evil arch-villain Mr. Greed!

      Report Post »  
  • searching for the Truth
    Posted on June 15, 2012 at 3:13pm

    All those that obey the Biblical principle of ” Salvation,“ and are obedient to His ” Word,“ are those who will find themselves at the ” Supper Table.”

    Report Post »  
    • Hollywood
      Posted on June 17, 2012 at 2:53pm

      SOLA Scriptura. Not Faith PLUS works, or faith in Church traditions[as per the RC Church] Wanna see what the world would be like if the RC Chruch, once again, gets the power in had? Look at the DARK AGES! Out of 149 Dioscese, and Arch Disocese, in the U.S.A. 147 were indicted for pedophilia. Both Nuns, and Priests. THIS is the result of their mistaken belief, that the RC Church can dictate celibacy. How sad! How evil! Think the RC Chruch is doing any better elsewhere in the world??? There is NO Papal authority, as NO Pope met the requirement of witnessing the death, and resurrection of Christ, as ACTS clearly states re APOSTLESHIP! It is ALL human VANITY,and is therefore EVIL! Read the Bible. Do NOT listen to the Priests. They are teaching doctrines of demons, re THEIR traditions. They are no different than the Pharisees in Christ’s time! Tetzel, with his INVENTION, of indulgences was a servant of the devil, and so are the POPES! The Aprochrypha, which the RC Church uses for their authority re praying for the dead, purgatory, was not considered “SCRIPTURE”[GOD BREATHED] for the first 1000 + years of this wicked org. It wasn’t until Martin Luther[an RC Monk] left the Order. It was after,at the Council of Nicea, that the RC org, THEN proclaimed it was God Breathed. A truly wicked org. GET out, if you are in it. Do some research. The RC Church cannot hide the truth, although they try to revise it.
      Maranatha

      Report Post » Hollywood  
  • qdllc
    Posted on June 15, 2012 at 2:42pm

    Years ago I started doing all tithes and offerings in CASH.

    Why?

    No paper trail.

    Nobody can prove how much or little I did or did not give or to whom.

    Only God knows.

    The idea of giving so you can get a report to claim on your 1040 smacks me as contrary to what God said about being rewarded openly for what you do in secret.

    Report Post »  
    • snowdog33
      Posted on June 25, 2012 at 3:26pm

      Careful, you are approaching sounding a bit sanctimonious in your post.

      Some food for thought…
      One could make a very good argument that by tithing in cash only you have been a poor steward of what God has entrusted to you. By not fully accounting for what you are tithing you are unable to deduct that from your taxes (assuming you itemize). In effect you are passing up roughly an amount equal to your tax rate x the amount you tithed and letting it pass to the IRS. Let’s say you tithe $5,000 and your tax rate is 25% – that’s $1,250 additional money in your pocket that you could have used to further God’s work, but instead ended up in the IRS coffers.

      I’d like to think — and hopefully you would agree — that you could make better use of that $1,250 than the federal government. Put another way, just for the sake of taking that position to make a point you passed up the opportunity to give an additional $1,250 to your church or any other deserving charity for that matter. Fictional numbers of course, but the concept applies to both higher and lower tax rates/incomes. Stewardship principles apply at all levels of income equally.

      Report Post »  
  • CougarNick78
    Posted on June 15, 2012 at 2:06pm

    How is online and digital giving a news story? It’s been done for years. Me, I prefer cash or check…. Although automatic withdrawal is pre-tax, and keeps one consistent. Need to look into that.

    Now, if you don’t have two nickels to rub together, give your time and yourself…..

    Report Post » CougarNick78  
    • LetUsReason
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 2:23pm

      Does anyone find it offensive that there is the notion of paying God 10% of your income with a credit card? Isn’t the whole point of tithing to demonstrate sacrifice….to put God first? So if you’re using a credit card, that means you don’t have adequate funds in your account, and it‘s essentially giving money that you don’t have. Why not pay tithing BEFORE you’ve blown your whole paycheck. Strange concept. Anyway, that’s all…umm…ahem…..so…uhh….who’s winning in the NBA playoffs?

      Report Post »  
  • Alex
    Posted on June 15, 2012 at 1:33pm

    It is ironic that those who pay their tithes, complain the least on how it is spent.

    Report Post »  
    • CougarNick78
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 2:03pm

      And those who rarely or never pay complain, much much more….. Preaching to the choir, Alex.

      Report Post » CougarNick78  
    • Miss Smartypants
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 2:15pm

      Maybe it’s because there is no new covenant command to tithe. Tithing is old covenant and those who choose to live under law instead of grace are pretty legalistic and smug about it.

      Report Post »  
    • Alex
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 3:45pm

      Miss Smartypants:

      When we receive grace from God, it is by obedience to the principle on which the grace is based. In this case, when we are obedient to God in the principle of paying tithing, we receive a far greater blessing from God in return than we ever gave. People who tithe understand this blessing. Tithing IS under grace. We do not merit that blessing the Lord returns to us.

      I find that, all other factors being equal, those who tithe enjoy a greater enjoyment of the Spirit of the Lord than those who do not.

      Report Post »  
    • Baerlin
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 9:00pm

      Amen Alex. The Lord taught us this lesson when we began to tithe. Our blessings are not material but spiritual. We have enjoyed God’s peace in our house and in our prayer life

      Report Post » Baerlin  
  • mattbman
    Posted on June 15, 2012 at 12:26pm

    Exactly where is “New Carolina”? Proofreading, people!

    So, welcome to 5 years ago – these types of kiosks have been around in some churches for 4-5 years, probably spreading now as the touchscreen technology becomes a little cheaper and since church giving has declined, they are looking for new ways to encourage giving. My church doesn’t even pass a plate, they have a box outside the sanctuary, but it’s easier for me to do my giving online on a schedule, and I am sure there are a few smart phone apps out there that do it as well.

    Report Post »  
  • disgustedAmerican
    Posted on June 15, 2012 at 12:26pm

    You are all arguing the validity of tithing and missing the most inherent point of this article. Any true Christ follower and person who has studied Revelation will see that this technology jump is just another step toward the mark. Churches who start using said technology are biting right into the fruit of the false churches, i.e. the wh ore prophesied in the end times.

    Report Post » disgustedAmerican  
    • Hollywood
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 1:43pm

      The Catholic church IS the WHORE church. No such thing as Papal successsion. Read Acts Ch 1 V 21 -26. In order to be an APOSTLE one had to WITNESS the resurrection of Christ. NO Pope ever has, of course. One has to wonder if Christ would have overturned the KIOSKS, had they been aroung when he returned to HIS temple!

      Report Post » Hollywood  
    • Warpspeedpetey
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 2:12pm

      @Hollywood.

      The Catholic Church, is older than the New Testament. Catholics wrote the New Testament and compiled the Bible, when you quote from it you are implicitly agreeing to Apostolic Succession and the Apostolic Authority derived from succession. When you deny that authority you deny that the Scripture you quote is authoritative. All arguments against Catholicism based on Scripture are self refuting for this reason.

      Beyond that it is a mistake to cause division among Christians. The world is against us as Christ promised. We are a stumbling block to them. If we do not hang together, than surely we will hang apart.

      Report Post »  
    • kuveha
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 2:32pm

      I agree with you 100%. Its time America cuts up the credit cards and get back to cash. I think it would solve a lot of the economic trouble we have seen.

      Report Post »  
  • P8riot
    Posted on June 15, 2012 at 11:41am

    I am dumbfounded at how many posts are opposing tithing!

    People; tithing is a principle that goes back literally to the beginning of man (sacrifice/tithing).

    Even if you’re not religious, this is absolutely a conservative principle! If we don’t give to charitable organizations more, then how can we expect the government to get out of the charity business???

    Finally, for those who have used this article as an excuse to bash The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, simply because we are very faithful in our tithes, please see below what those tithes are used for:

    2011 Welfare Statistics:

    Days of labor donated to Church welfare facilities 872,721
    Employment and training placements 147,855
    Total number of:
    Storehouses 143
    Home storage centers 101
    Production projects 54
    Processing facilities 19
    Storage and distribution facilities 36
    Employment resource centers 327
    Deseret Industries thrift stores 43
    LDS Family Services offices 85
    Number of missionaries serving in Welfare Services 9,832
    Number of major disaster assistance efforts (1985–2011) 202
    Humanitarian assistance rendered (1985–2011) $1.4 billion
    Countries and territories served 179

    And these are just the statistics from ONE Church, I can only imagine how much good other churches accomplish, that are much bigger than ours. :)

    Matthew 25:35–36

    Still think tithing is bad?

    Report Post » P8riot  
    • Amos37
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 12:18pm

      As far as I’m concerned all the money i receive belongs to Him. Tithing was done by the Pharisees to a t and Jesus told them that they forgot the weightier things. God wants a tithe from us, but not a material tithe. He wants 10% of the most valuable thing He gives us, time. Everyone should know this by now.

      Report Post »  
    • Amos37
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 12:19pm

      And oh yeah, that means 10% of the time God allows you to have every day should be spent studying His Word. simple. 2:40

      Report Post »  
    • P8riot
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 12:50pm

      Greetings again AMOS37

      Interestingly, your moniker seems to cite Amos 3:7 which states: “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.”

      Thus, you abide by the words of the Prophets. That’s good because the words of the Prophets regarding tithing are clear, you are to give to the Lord (at least) a tenth of all you have been given.

      Has the Lord only given you time? Or has he given you everything you have, including your earnings?

      Please read the words of the Prophets regarding tithing, its pretty clear that time is not the only thing we are to sacrifice when paying our tithing.

      Gen. 14:20; cf. Heb. 7:4–10; Gen. 28:22; Num. 18:21–28; Mal. 3:8–18 (my favorite); Lev. 27:30–34; Deut. 12:5–18; 14:22–27; 2 Chr. 31:5–12; Neh. 10:38; 12:44; 13:12.

      A few examples of tithing was – the firstfruits of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field, the tithe of oxen and sheep, and the tithe of holy things which were consecrated unto the Lord their God, tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the Lord.

      However, I do commend you on giving of your time, its definitely important to give a tenth of everything, not just our earnings. :)

      Report Post » P8riot  
    • tomcat741
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 12:52pm

      Amen..

      Report Post »  
    • Hollywood
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 1:58pm

      There is NO Biblical sanction, in the NEW Testament advocating Tithing for Christians. NOT ONE passage. The only reference to tithing is inLuke Ch 18 V12, re a parable of a PHARISEE doing so. LEGAL giving is NOT wanted, and is even Condemned by Christ. The big problem with Mormonism is its statements re Christ and satan being spiritual BROTHERS at one time.!! This along with teaching Adam and Eve eating ot the tree of knowledge of good and evil, WAS/IS a good thing, re people knowing how to procreate, is also blasphemous. GOD specifically told them not to, and they disobeyed, thereby imparting physical and Spiritual death to us ALL. WHY does the Mormon church teach this ,since it was/is the original LIE of satan, telling them they would surely NOT DIE! ???

      Report Post » Hollywood  
    • P8riot
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 2:47pm

      @HOLLYWOOD –

      You’ve now pointed out your opinion that the Catholic Church is “the whore church” as well as your negative opinions of my church. However, you have failed to simply profess what you believe to be true (as opposed to why everyone else is wrong). Please feel free to express what you hold sacred without demeaning what others hold sacred. :)

      Report Post » P8riot  
    • LetUsReason
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 6:02pm

      @ PATRIOT

      I think you’re asking a lot from Hollywood. If I’ve learned anything from these types of “Christians”, it‘s that they don’t want to offer you something better, more glorious, more truthful….they only want to tear down what you have. They try their hardest to rip apart something they neither understand nor want to understand solely for the purpose of making themselves feel more secure in their beliefs.

      When there is a story about some Evangelical pastor somewhere saying or doing something, or some other story that could be related to Evangelicalism, Mormons say nothing. We support our brothers and sisters of other faiths. And yet, there is so much hatred toward the LDS Church. Who cares what we believe, right? We could be worshiping stuffed hippos…you’re still commanded to love one another. I’ll never get that.

      Report Post »  
    • Hollywood
      Posted on June 17, 2012 at 2:38pm

      All the TITHING in the world does not make it justifiable, on biblical grounds. One gives from the HEART, NOT the head. God OWNS everything. I have nothing against giving. Call it what you will, but it MUST be given with the right motives, as the poor woman demonstrated in Mark Ch 12 V 41-44.
      Maranatha

      Report Post » Hollywood  
  • lisa2994
    Posted on June 15, 2012 at 11:19am

    I know this is not exactly in tune with the subject above but thought everyone should see this if you haven’t already? http://www.youtube.com/embed/OvN1jTkzXbY?rel=0

    Report Post » lisa2994  
  • v15
    Posted on June 15, 2012 at 10:14am

    Culture shocked is correct, and now it’s driven me inactive. I can find fault with the members but not with the doctrine. If, however, the doctrine wasn’t correct, then I would surely be an atheist.

    Report Post » v15  
  • Jezreel
    Posted on June 15, 2012 at 9:55am

    The tithe was for the Levitical priesthood and it was food because the Levites did not have inheritance in the land. When Jesus sent his disiples out he told them, “when you go into a house and they receive you, let your peace remain upon that house, heal all who are sick in that house and eat and drink what is set before you because the laborer is worthy of his hire”. That was their so called “tithe”, food and drink and a place to stay, nothing more, nothing less. These so called “pastors” who make theirselves leaders of a church who preach tithing and even the rapture theory, will have the hot spot on judgment day. If people are contented to bench warm and not seek the truth and just go along because they love their social club, they deserve what they get. When a person is many years old in the Lord, that makes them an “elder”, that is if they have allowed the Lord to mature and perfect them. It is disgusting to see people who have gone to church all their life and still need a so called “pastor” to get the word of God. Pastor is only mentioned in the new testament ONCE and they are not leaders of a church.

    Report Post »  
    • lukerw
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 10:07am

      True… but to complete your part of the New Covenant… you really need to discuss this with others.

      Report Post » lukerw  
    • iampraying4u
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 10:29am

      Next thing he will say is Peter was the first pope

      Report Post »  
  • Jimbarola
    Posted on June 15, 2012 at 9:55am

    The word “tithe” means 10 percent so tithing is not typically 10 percent, it is 10 percent. Anything above the 10 percent is an offering. I‘m not sure what it’s called when it’s less than 10 percent…..maybe a tip? The bible also instructs “first fruit” giving, so it’s the first, and best 10 percent. Abel brought his first, and best to God, and Cain just brought what he wanted……God honored Abel‘s offering but rejected Cain’s…..in a rage of jealousy, Cain killed Abel (revealing the heart of Cain). By the way, this story is too old, the Church I attend has had electronic methods for four or five years.

    Report Post »  
    • lukerw
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 10:03am

      Nice… Judaism/Christian… mix… of Old & New Testament.

      Report Post » lukerw  
    • Jimbarola
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 10:16am

      I guess I should have inserted Matthew 23:23

      Report Post »  
  • Bearwolf
    Posted on June 15, 2012 at 9:40am

    @LQTM

    Funny how you have all these stories of rape, lies, expulsions, shaming, and law breaking. Seems to me to be a very biased opinion. Then you site “google” as your references. You are obviously severely misinformed. I have “personal” knowledge that the people LDS did not break tax laws by supporting prop 8 and no own was coerced under threat of expulsion to donate money as you seem to imply.. See I can do it too. You don’t like that the LDS Church is against people of the same sex being married then fine, but be honest. You are also very inconsistent in your moral arguments. Criticizing one person for personally attacking you and then calling another a “jackass”. Makes you look even less credible than you all ready do. Just a little friendly advice.

    Report Post »  
  • A1955Rosie
    Posted on June 15, 2012 at 9:25am

    God asks that we give 10% of first fruits happily and cheerfully. These offerings was a way to help the needy AND support the spread of His word.
    Granted many organized sects are not giving the message to His people but there are a number of them that do, even if it’s TV evangelism.
    What is most important is that God will supply what you need if you honor AND TEACH/LIVE His ways. I am a testament to that and give God the glory for it. His ways are perfect!
    When people talk about “it’s always the money” who’s money are we talking about? God doesn’t need it but others do. Do you not believe in charity? Those that do wrong by these funds will answer to God but truly, many will be blessed.

    Report Post » A1955Rosie  
    • vachatterus
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 9:30am

      God does not ask for 10%. He has it already. The churches want the 10% even in biblical times to support their organization.

      Report Post »  
    • lukerw
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 10:10am

      @VACH…
      I think that Christ cited… Money was produced and belonged to Ceasar (Government)… and GOD dealt in another form of Currency!

      Report Post » lukerw  
    • kuveha
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 2:39pm

      If you hold your money with a tight fist you can not put anymore in, but if you hold your money with an open hand and give freely you will gain much more.

      Report Post »  
  • searching for the Truth
    Posted on June 15, 2012 at 9:16am

    According to the Word -eriis an of – tithing apart from alms given – God asked 10% – any more was a sin any less was a sin.

    Report Post »  
  • Southern Rebel
    Posted on June 15, 2012 at 8:38am

    Ah yes, christianity has to keep the money flowing because Lord knows, if the money stopped, their work would stop too. Oh wait…the work has already stopped and the christians are sound asleep, watching the God given Liberty He blessed us with, disappear with nary a whimper. But hey…the religious temples can still operate and the paid priesthood can continue to do what they do…put people to sleep and feed them a social gospel.
    Besides, the 10% rule was for the OT; He told us we are to give ALL. Maybe that‘s what’s wrong with christianity and it’s religion..it’s only giving a portion and only speaks the truth 10% of the time. Hmmmm, something to consider.

    Report Post » Southern Rebel  
    • v15
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 8:58am

      “A religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation; for, from the first existence of man, the faith necessary unto the enjoyment of life and salvation never could be obtained without the sacrifice of all earthly things. It was through this sacrifice, and this only, that God has ordained that men should enjoy eternal life” – Joseph Smith

      Report Post » v15  
    • JRook
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 9:07am

      No matter where you turn its all about the money.

      Report Post »  
    • lukerw
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 10:16am

      Money… helps to keep the Roman Christian Legions together… in defense from attack!

      Report Post » lukerw  
    • Alex
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 1:18pm

      Southern Rebel:

      “Besides, the 10% rule was for the OT; He told us we are to give ALL. Maybe that‘s what’s wrong with christianity and it’s religion..it’s only giving a portion and only speaks the truth 10% of the time. Hmmmm, something to consider.”

      Why the disdain for tithing? What is wrong with this baby step towards giving ALL? What is wrong with donating 10% of your worldly increase to the Lord’s work, as a component of the larger gift of your whole life?

      In my experience, those who don’t give 10% don’t give ALL to the Lord either. I find that those who are obedient to the principle are blessed by the Lord and enabled to APPROACH the ALL that the Lord requires.

      Report Post »  
  • Carol1955
    Posted on June 15, 2012 at 8:33am

    Granted I am not in a large urban area so my views reflect that but this article was offensive and biased. It refers to traditional tithing as intrusive, unpleasant and awkward but if you offer credit card options its cool and innovative. This reflects a lot of people’s misunderstanding of tithing. Traditional tithing is looking at your finances and making a clear decision about tithing amounts. We prepare our tithing in advance monthly and by the end of the year we know what additional money we want to give. This article isn‘t talking about tithing as much as trying to catch the impulse giving of someone who may attend but isn’t a committed member. If the membership takes tithing seriously, you shouldn’t even need the money of a visitor.

    Report Post »  
  • lukerw
    Posted on June 15, 2012 at 8:06am

    CHRIST completed the Sacrifice of Isaac… PERFECTLY (As a Divine Satisfaction)… Ending all Sacrifices & Offerings (As none can Equal nor be Better)… and with the New Covenant & Golden Rule, HE changed Judaism into Christianity.!

    NOW, if you are of Judaism… by all means try to give Sacrifices & Offerings… to Appease & Command your GOD!

    Report Post » lukerw  
    • contkmi
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 8:17am

      I bet you’re a riot at parties.

      Report Post » contkmi  
    • Southern Rebel
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 8:35am

      Actually, the Lord hated religion and He sure didn’t change Judaism into Christianity; He changed religion into Truth. Christianity was a man made creation not dissimilar to Judaism, to keep man in religious bondage and captivity.
      He doesn’t want us in religion, He wants us to come to Him in truth & spirit. :)

      Report Post » Southern Rebel  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 9:09am

      So, you’re claiming that tithing is not Biblical?

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • lukerw
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 9:56am

      @GONZO
      Biblical, yes… Christian, no… as the Old Testament is the Prophecy of, and for, the New Testament. In Christianity… Charity is done, Individual to Individual, as the New Covenant is between Individuals, and Private. In Christianity… Church is a “calling out” to listen to a Sermon… not a place that is to be Paid. In the Roman Empire, under the Emperor Constantine, the State Religion became the Christian, Roman, Temple… and Temples were made, called Churches… but this is Not “Christianity/Gospel”!

      Report Post » lukerw  
    • Jimbarola
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 10:28am

      Then I am perplexed my Matthew 23:23 when Jesus says “You should have practiced the latter”?

      Report Post »  
    • Jimbarola
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 10:36am

      Then I am perplexed my Matthew 23:23 when Jesus says “You should have practiced the latter”?

      Report Post »  
  • mikenleeds
    Posted on June 15, 2012 at 8:06am

    i d rather tithed 10 percent to the church to help others than let the government steal 46 percent to waste

    Report Post » mikenleeds  
  • JHN
    Posted on June 15, 2012 at 8:04am

    Knew this was coming and, frankly, I think it is a great idea. As a former Pastor and current leader of a non-profit ministry, I think that any way that we can make it easier for people to give is better. Especially, Millenials, who statistically almost never have a checking acct. However, the commercial is more like a parody.

    And, just for clarity, tithing is not just an act of giving. It, by definition, is an act of giving 10%. And anyone who purports to follow an Old Testament tithe will be giving several 10% portions.

    Report Post »  
  • lqtm
    Posted on June 15, 2012 at 8:02am

    I like that they put a black person on the website so it looks like they include blacks, when in fact, the Mormon church has a long history of excluding them and their holy books explain the color of darker skin as having descended from Cain.

    Report Post »  
    • Athinkerinaseaoflibs
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 8:39am

      This is not how they do it in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons). While I don’t speak for the church, I am a member. I don’t believe that it will happen in the LDS church as it is too impersonal. In the LDS church, we do not have a collection plate either. The funds are given quietly to one of the three members of the congregation who have a temporary non paid lay calling. The moneys are counted and recorded for tax purposes in each week and the deposited at a local bank. That money is transferred to the main church account where it is used collectively as church. All moneys from every congregation are handled this way and are deposited into a common bank account. Any money that is spent by the local organization is money that is budgeted and is returned from the collective church funds. Money that is spent to assist the poor is handled differently but still is monitored closely.
      These moneys are considered sacred and thusly are collected and spent very carefully. No one is paid in the church to render service. It is all done as one of the commitments we make to our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. There are very complete audits that are conducted twice a year on the books of each congregation. If the books are not in order, people are held to account for the errors. If any willful mishandling of funds is discovered, those who a responsible for the funds can be excommunicated. The church takes this very seriously.

      Report Post »  
  • lqtm
    Posted on June 15, 2012 at 8:00am

    It‘s very common in Glenn’s religion, MORMONISM. I know, I’m from SLC and my grandfather was a bishop and tithed his whole life. What do the Mormons spend it on? Illegally subverting democratic processes in compelling, upon implicit threat of expulsion from the church or disgrace in the eyes of God, LDS members throughout Utah and the region to “donate” to opposing non-religious institutions. You want to talk about breaking tax laws- the Mormons have it down to a science.

    Report Post »  
    • lukerw
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 8:09am

      Digital Offering… for… Digital Salvation!

      Report Post » lukerw  
    • Jenny Lind
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 8:19am

      You are pitifull, anti Mormon, and I do not mind that, but the lies are pretty bad in my book. My entire family has paid tithing for generations, and the churches books are independantly audited. If you think for a microsecond a church as big as ours wants to loose the exemption for doing stupid stuff, you are nuts. Temples cost money to build, so do churches. When I was small all buildings were paid for by the individual wards. As the church has grown, and more tithes paid that is no longer the case. The church does worldwide charity, and disaster relief, thithing receipt has a special spot to donate for it. I get a read out at the end of each year as does every Mormon for what I give. In other words, records are kept, members know what is paid out, audits are done. In todays world if cheating is found on a local level, woe betide that bishop. And don‘t think for a second the current administration wouldn’t love to destroy any and all churches for financial misdeeds. No one expels people for not paying tithing, that’s a crock. You are just a bitter person. Sad for you. I have never heard a person endorsed at church in almost 67 years, but I have heard us urged to vote and work for social issues.

      Report Post »  
    • lqtm
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 8:46am

      Why hello Jenny! I am saddened to hear you find me pitiful, and even moreso to hear you are still snared within the psychological prison that is the Mormon church. I’m not responsible for your education, but I can tell you for a fact that the church did go to many wealthy members and insist that they donate to the anti-gay campaigns surrounding proposition 8, when it was at issue. While technically not breaking the law, it certainly violates the principles behind the law. Again, don’t take my word for it, the evidence abounds and Google is a powerful tool. I have personally witnessed the oppression and partisanship of the church firsthand, as well as been friends with several persons who were expelled, basically for being gay, and in effect cut off from their families as a result. An effect that is of wholly no concern to the church as an institution. I like the bit your threw in about charity. It’s true, the LDS church does provide charity worldwide, primarily to those who are willing to convert or be proselytized to. Thus, while you would never admit it, this is a fundamentally self-interested purpose which is unfortunately driven by those good people like you who are suckered into it. Finally, you call me bitter, but I assure you I am quite happy. I merely say these things to raise awareness in the hopes of freeing peoples’ minds. People like you, who I consider psychologically oppressed. You don’t have to listen, but I do encourage you to think. Have a nice day, frie

      Report Post »  
    • lqtm
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 8:49am

      Again Jenny, I speak of the church as an INSTITUTION, and would never be so arrogant as to judge all of its members based on its actions, as you seem to have judged me due to the fact that you perceive me to part of some organized coalition of atheists, which I can assure you, I am not.

      Report Post »  
    • v15
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 8:49am

      @ LQTM, You really have zero concept on the LDS faith and tithing. And when I hear “Mormonism” explained by a former or anti member of the church, I always hear hateful lies.

      Report Post » v15  
    • lqtm
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 8:50am

      By the way, it may interest you to know that I personally work with refugees worldwide, am an Eagle Scout, and am a generally nice person. Cheers.

      Report Post »  
    • lqtm
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 9:00am

      Hello V15- greetings from your friendly neighborhood atheist. Let me tell you about my personal experiences. I have personally watched as my grandfather, a bishop in Moab for the bulk of his life, told my father, his own son, that he was a disgrace and that I should have been raised Mormon. I have also known three people in my lifetime- two men and one woman, who were expelled from the church for their sexual orientation, and were never permitted to speak to their families again. They didn’t exist, as far as they were concerned. I have myself had cousins married young, divorced young, and raped by other mormons.

      So get off your high horse, jackass. The Kingdom isn’t full of little angels.

      Report Post »  
    • v15
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 9:01am

      @LQTM, I’m an Eagle Scout and my undergrad was in Accounting. So what?

      Report Post » v15  
    • v15
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 9:21am

      @LQTM, I have only been in Utah for 4.5 years, but the people here are some of the very best and worst of the LDS religion. And, although I was raised in the church, moving to Utah and meeting Mormons out here has been an insane culture shock – needless to say, I can’t relate to many LDS people in this state, especially the ones on both side of the extremes, so I can’t wait to move out of this wretched state; however, I‘m not going to leave the church because I don’t have a problem with the doctrine – only with members who profess to live by it’s standards yet still try to take away my right to choose.

      Report Post » v15  
    • Athinkerinaseaoflibs
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 9:43am

      You claim that you have witnessed several of your friends being excommunicated for their homosexual beliefs. The Church as publicly announced that they do NOT excommunicate those who have homosexual beliefs or feelings. However they do excommunicate if one acts on those beliefs or feelings. I have known members of the Church who have homosexual feelings but have not acted on those feeling. They are participating in the Church every Sunday and have a strong commitment to the Church.
      I am sorry to hear that any family shuns any family member for any reason. That is not the way it should be and is completely in conflict with what the church teaches. We have been taught by the Church to offer those who have been excommunicated and increased measure of love and to treat them with dignity and kindness.
      Having been a member for 30+ years and having served various position of the church, I can personally tell you that any time a person is excommunicated the decision is not done out of spite. I believe that I have shed more tears in those situations than anywhere else. It is a difficult, heart wrenching, but loving event. The few times I have been in those situations, the Bishop who was in charge, had more compassion than they had at other times while doing their jobs. It was a very emotional time for all involved. All of that being said, we are church of amateurs who are subject to mistakes as well.

      Report Post »  
    • lqtm
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 9:51am

      I apologize for the confusion, and am happy to hear you are a fellow ES. I intended that remark for Jenny, who was at that point the only one I thought replying, and who seemed to think me an evil goodfornuthin’. You evince an important issue though- yes, people in Utah are certainly more immersed in the religion, and thus are under greater pressure to conform to the group. As you say, some of the best and the worst reside there, and this I agree with wholeheartedly. As an atheist, I would be the first to acknowledge that there are both good and bad persons in the Mormon church, and indeed in every faith. It is the overall effects which I detest. When people are born into these tight-knit Mormon families, they can either conform, or be disgraced within the community. This evinces a very exclusionary mindset which is my true problem with the church as an institution. I have known many LDS who have lost faith, but find themselves literally trapped- unable to leave for risk of disownment. Any religion which enables and permits and often encourages such an environment I personally consider a problem. I’m not going to argue with you about what you should believe, but be aware that 10% of one’s income is a lot of money to a family living below the poverty line. That’s food from mouths to spread the word. Seems pointless to me. I don’t intend to argue with you, and am glad you were culture shocked- it means you aren’t in too deep yet. much of my family would be right at home.

      Report Post »  
    • lqtm
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 10:05am

      Athinkerinaseaoflibs proves my point for me- from the horses mouth, if you will. Shed all the real and/or crocodile tears you want while doing it, the overall effect is an institution that ostracized people from their families and discourages being honest with oneself about one’s feelings. Sure, you can have homosexual thoughts, just don‘t act on them or we’ll kick you out. That’s oppression, no matter what you choose to call it.

      Report Post »  
    • v15
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 10:25am

      Culture shocked is correct, and now it’s driven me inactive. I can find fault with the members but not with the doctrine. If, however, the doctrine wasn’t correct, then I would surely be an atheist.

      (Apologies. I replied in the wrong box haha)

      Report Post » v15  
    • Athinkerinaseaoflibs
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 11:50am

      @ LQTM I am really sorry you are so bitter but it really appears that you have no understanding of LDS people even though you have lived with them all your life. There will always be a conflict between our desires and God’s laws. That conflict is played out within everyone; every day. The difficulty is that in recent years most people have attempted to change God’s laws to their own liking. We believe that God’s Laws take precedent over our laws. You may never understand this since you claim to be an atheist so you have no understanding of a God.
      With regards to the conflict within your family and your grandfather. This is no different than other religions where a family member leaves the flock. It is very emotional and difficult. The greater the influence of the church in ones life, the stronger the emotions. Faithful Latter day Saints truly believe that people will be happier as members but how that exercise and present that position have at times could use improvement.
      By the way, my tears when I have been involved in church discipline have never been “crocodile tears”. For someone who just wants out of the church it is very easy-Stop coming. Church disciplinary Councils are only for those who want to set things right and are asking the church to help them achieve it. If someone who never came to church and had no feeling about things would never even be bothered with the whole thing.

      Report Post »  
    • P8riot
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 11:58am

      @LQTM –

      “What do the Mormons spend it on?”

      Please see my post above answering your question in detail – notice there is not a “Illegally subverting democratic processes” department. :) Also, please notice that not one penny of tithing goes towards paid clergy.

      Honestly, I’m saddened by your perception of our faith. Please don’t take this the wrong way, but you completely misunderstand our religion – especially in the category of families.

      Here is our official position on families

      http://www.lds.org/family/proclamation?lang=eng

      continued:

      Report Post » P8riot  
    • P8riot
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 12:09pm

      continued from where my quote left off:

      “WE WARN that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.

      WE CALL UPON responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.”

      Now if any member of our faith has acted contrary to the above teachings from our Prophet and Apostles, he or she has not represented our faith properly and as the quote states “will one day stand accountable before God.”

      I hope you can one day fully understand the beauty of our true beliefs on family. :)

      Report Post » P8riot  
    • swoods08
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 1:43pm

      @LQTM

      Do yourself a favor and just stop replying you are just digging a deeper hole. And I truely DO feel sorry for you if GOOGLE is your reference, do you know how much anti mormon stuff is out there? Do some research and try again.

      Report Post »  
    • girlnurse
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 5:16pm

      while i a am not a Mormon I appreciate them helping elevate the family and get together to vote against the queer agenda in this country. Whats the difference between Mormons fighting against evil or athiests and humanists getting together to vote FOR it??? Big money lobbiests and corporations including Hollywood and porn people like Larry Flint and Hugh Hefner do it all the time..im thankful to the Mormons for that although I respectfully deny Joseph Smith and the doctrine they teach…we can agree to disagree on that.

      Report Post » girlnurse  
    • v15
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 10:40pm

      @GIRLNURSE, yes, that’s what I like about Mormons: their focus on the family. Although I’m still finding my beliefs and reconciling myself with the LDS faith, I‘m willing to stand with anyone who fights against the LGBT Community’s efforts to re-define marriage and the family. Always awesome to see some sane & open-minded comments on here!

      Report Post » v15  
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