Do You Tithe?

[MDZ]

I thought that I would ask this to see how many people make it a habbit to donate some of their income to charities and causes that they support. I know that I personally do becuase I feel that I should give back because I have been given so much. Does any one else take part in this in any way?

[Airelon]

Although I don't tithe to the letter of the law, I do perform the principle of the law of tithing. In other words, I don't figure out an exact percentage. But I do make sure that a) I'm hospitable with what I own, and with what I've bought for my own enjoyment and b) contribute to a charity that I can trust not to rip off the money either by outright embezzlement, or by "incentives" and "bonuses" to the administrators of that charity.

[MDZ]

You make an interesting point there. I know that one of the biggest "troubles" of having large amounts of money is working to find ways to use it that do not contradict the principals that you live for. I think that we would all like to get wealthy, but I think that it is important to think about what you would do after you get there, otherwise you may find yourself at somewhat of a standstill. By working to promote good causes, you can help the next aspiring individuals reach success. This is what I really think would be wonderful about having large amounts of money, the ability to significantly help individuals and causes I feel worthy.

[gennnniiikk]

Hello

G'night

[Airelon]

Indeed. Many is the stock that I've had to pass up, because they engaged in busincess practices or principles would violate my conscience.

I tell my wife all the time. Capitalism works, when used responsibly. Just like any tool. It isn't 'self-regulating'. You have to use the advantages it provides responsibly - and then Free Market ideals work extremely well.

But the same goes with charities. UNICEF was busted some years ago, when ones started looking at their balance sheets, and the "administrative bonuses" as well as perks. Such a small percentage from many charities actually makes it past all the bureaucracy (even when scams or fraud isn't committed) to the intended target audience. I learned long ago to research and investigate deeply before I hand my money over to an organization that is asking for donations.

But boy, you should see some of the looks I receive when I'm asked to contribute to causes, and I turn the person down. I've had people yell at me for the shoes and suits that I was currently wearing; and somehow try to pass value judgements on how they see I live, and I am not giving to their cause (a favorite tactic of socialists). If looks could kill, I wouldn't be alive to post this . ..