Widows and widowers are the best tithers
Posted on October 8th, 2008 by Belteshazzar into the Uncategorized categoryBaylor University recently released the results of a national survey that asked people about their beliefs about God, church, and even the paranormal. You can find more information about it here and here.
One of the most interesting findings to me was that the group of people most likely to tithe were the people who the tithe was designed to help support.
"Widows and widowers are some of the biggest tithers, with 17.6 percent giving 10 percent or more of their income to the church, compared to 8.6 percent of nonwidowed people."
What does this say about how churches teach tithing? I think it says they are clearly getting it wrong! Or do they not remember this verse?
"When you have finished setting aside a tenth of all your produce in the third year, the year of the tithe, you shall give it to the Levite, the alien, the fatherless and the widow, so that they may eat in your towns and be satisfied. Then say to the LORD your God: "I have removed from my house the sacred portion and have given it to the Levite, the alien, the fatherless and the widow, according to all you commanded. I have not turned aside from your commands nor have I forgotten any of them."
One of the key tenets of tithing advocates is that God provides financial blessing to those who tithe. This is the greatest tool in the tithe-advocate's toolbox, because it appeals to basic human need (and greed). Everyone wants to have enough money. The people who are most in need of financial blessing are the people who have the least money to give. This is the irony: the people who are meant to benefit from the tithe are the ones who are most likely to tithe!
The next time your church asks you to tithe, be sure to ask for the church budget and find the line items that go to the poor and needy within your own church.
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October 8th, 2008 at 8:25 am
Do you think that part of it may be that they (widows/widowers) are empathizing? Seeing themselves in those that need help and so feel compelled to give even more?
October 8th, 2008 at 10:09 am
Those who should benefkit the most from tithing are benefiting the least. Where are these overflowing blessings which should fall on ALL tithers according to Malachi 3:10? They do not exist because we are not under the Law and because they are not observing all 613 comamdnmnents per Deu 27:26.
If tithing worked then tithers would not be hurting from the economic downturn —but most are.
October 8th, 2008 at 10:09 am
It’s possible. But the results are the same, right? Unless most widows/widowers are financially well off, doesn’t it seem wrong that they should be giving at all, let alone more than other church members?
After thinking about this some more, I realize I have made an assumption: all widows/widowers are poor. I’ll confess that this may not necessarily be true. It would be interesting to take their survey data and cross-reference these results with income level to see if it proves my point.
October 8th, 2008 at 10:21 am
Is it possible that people are the same today as they where in the bible?
Was it not the Widow in the Bible who gave everything?
October 8th, 2008 at 10:38 am
Jesus was plenty mad at the Pharisees about that. It’s my opinion he was more angry with them for the fact that they were more concerned about following the letter of the law instead of the spirit of the law. If we spin that to say everyone should give everything, then everyone would be poor (except for pastors). If instead we say that God is more concerned about how we give, and who we give to, then giving becomes about being God’s hand of mercy and compassion instead of being about some religious obligation.
October 8th, 2008 at 10:40 am
If instead we say that God is more concerned about how we give, and who we give to, then giving becomes about being God’s hand of mercy and compassion instead of being about some religious obligation.
Amen brother … We agree!
October 9th, 2008 at 5:52 am
I actually imagine it is the opposite. I picture a lot of older women who’s husband pass away and leave plenty of money and not many expenses. That and a large life insurance plan.
Either way doesn’t matter, Belte, you bring up very good points.
October 9th, 2008 at 6:32 am
I guess nothing’s changed for 2000 years.
Mark12:41-44
Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans. So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.”