Turmoil regarding tithing...

For the most part, I *want* to give. Right now, our debt allows for minimal to no tithe or offering. Which is 2 separate things. Supposedly, tithe is the first 10% of your wealth to your 'home church', and anything over that is 'offering', and that can go toward anything/anyone.

There is some dissent among churches if tithe is a Christian 'requirement' or only if it can be done with a joyful heart. Some say it was an old testament 'thing', never a law, and it was fulfilled by Jesus when he died for our sins, among other things. I think Jesus challenges us to give *everything*, but haven't gotten that far in comprehension of things yet.

However, there is agreement that *everything* we have belongs to God, we are only responsible for it while on Earth. The definition of being a good steward of what we do have is widely open to debate and that is where the tithe/not tithe to home church. Then there is the whole thing on if it is 10% gross or net income, or if it is 10% of total wealth (of which we have none).


*I* feel that we should give joyfully at least 10% income to those less fortunate, be 'responsible' of the rest, which may include more giving. But we got ourselves in a muddle in a time when we were NOT responsible with our money, and now are 'owned' buy WAMU & Chase.


Hmmm. I do NOT think it is okay to have debt. I do NOT think it is okay to not give to charities and/or church. But we are where we are, and need to go on from here. Obviously changing lifestyle and spending habits to be able to live on less than 90%. Otherwise we will never have 'enough' to tithe.

March update:

We are officially on Step#2, debt reduction.
We have the $1K Beginner emergency fund

Current debt totals, after March payments:
Perkins loans: $0!!!!! we paid that bad boy off!!
Credit card:$997
Rae's Sallie Mae:$7862
Kia Sedona:$13990
Jason's Sallie Mae:$31985

Total non-house debt:$54,834