Tithing

I've been reading a few Facebook postings and comments about tithing to which I would like to respond.

First, I take issue with the standard teaching of giving 10% to the church.  The concept on the surface seems to be fair.  However, the idea that all should give 10% is highly regressive.  Thank goodness we don't model our tax system after this concept.  Especially since consumer goods are not set on a percentage of one's income.

Second, in our current tax system one can write off any charitable donations.  This includes offerings to a church.  How is it that I can write off offerings to the church but not the money used to purchase a gym membership?  In my opinion a charitable donation would be giving to an organization from which one doesn't directly benefit(Sitting in an air-conditioned room listening to someone preach is a direct benefit).

Thirdly, tithing and money are a constant source of spiritual abuse in the church world and basically for the reason that churchianity (Can't take credit for churchianity) today insists on functioning as a business enterprise (Just calling a spade a spade). Tithing is not only greatly misunderstood, it also causes great false fear in many people's lives. Some great Bible versus that help better explain my take on tithing comes from Deuteronomy 14:23 and Deuteronomy 26:12.

I may be atheist, but I still find it very important to be thankful for what I have and to share my prosperity to help others(shocking coming from a tight ass).  If you are currently tithing to a church, please continue.  Churches need donors in order to operate.  I just hope this post offers up a different perspective on tithing.