(no subject)

[sylvar]

DISCLAIMER: This is not a rant. I think Jodi is a good person. Why else would I be marrying her?

This Sunday, Jodi was shocked to hear that I put two dollars in the envelope for church offerings. She thought it was way low; I explained it was all I had, and sometimes I put in a five, but I was never sure exactly what most people do or what was expected.

Then again, I once horrified my aunt when I offered a two-dollar tip on a haircut. I usually went to a six-dollar barber and tipped one, but I knew I was at a classier place so I doubled the tip. My aunt looked at me like I'd just blown my nose with the boss's necktie, and took a few more dollars from my hand and gave them to the hairdresser.

Jodi says she thought it was supposed to be a 10% tithe. If I ever give that much, I want to write a check and get a receipt for tax purposes! She thinks this is pure-dee tacky. I think it's good sense.

I'm also trying to make sense of Deuteronomy 14:25-26, which seems to be saying that I should offer this tithe to God by having a fancy dinner in God's honor. Which I don't object to -- I can see spending two days preparing a feast as a deliberate way to celebrate our blessings. (But I don't think I could spend 10% of my yearly income on it!) Or does this mean I should spend 10% of my income on eating out? I probably *do*.

And then there's 2 Corinthians 8:10-15, which seems to be saying I shouldn't worry about how to carve out an extra 10% from my budget, but I should actually go and set up their spare computer as a web and e-mail server instead of just talking about it.

I dunno; what are y'all's thoughts on all this?

Comments

[fizzgig-bites.livejournal.com]

Jodi is/has been pissing me off. Now that I have said it, end of discussion. I keep my mouth shut these days.

Deuteronomy 14:25-26 First get a good translation. I hate the Christian translations. It was Hebrew and should have a Hebrew to English translation minus the political issues. It's a pet peeve...big time (not "virgin", it's "young woman"...damn it!)

"According to Jewish law, we are required to give one-tenth of our income to the poor. This is generally interpreted as one-tenth of our net income after payment of taxes. Those who are dependent on public assistance or living on the edge of subsistence may give less; no person should give so much that he would become a public burden."

If you want more than just the little quote, go to Jewish FAQ --One of my favorite sites. Since you are a practicing Christian, I would ask for their interpretation of the rule. This is the Jewish meaning which is Torah plus Midrash but you are quoting a Jewish text so it is relevant.

If all you had was $2 and you donated it, wonderful. My mother and grand mother left the Episcopal church because they were only concerned about money. Grand mom was rejected for the way she dressed during the Great Depression. Religion shouldn't cost anything. If you want to help people, give money or time. It doesn't matter. If you are a farmer, give a corner of your field. If you are a computer whiz, donate time and deduct $65/hour off your taxes (keep a journal, for food, time and mileage). Do kind things in life, it is more meaningful than money.

Keep a log of the money you do donate, write it off your taxes, it is a reward for giving in the first place, take it! If you donate more than $65 (?) total per year, get a receipt. The IRS expects it. Any money is a gift and should be treated as such. There is nothing tacky about claiming a donation with the IRS. The IRS rewards donations but you aren't going to make an money doing it. It's public help the federal government doesn't have to pay for but they will encourage you to do it. Any help for the non-profits is encouraged.

Jodi shouldn't have an issue with the donation since she is not donating it herself. My brief Christian experience also brings up that the money is given in a plain envelope with no markings, hence anonymous.

As for eating out. The "law" was written so that less fortunate and wealth would be balanced. If you are spending 10% of your income feeding, transporting and caring for Jodi, then that has occurred. If you consider Jodi and you together (you receive personal benefit from your generosity) then you are living within your means. Anything extra should help others. If you are living it up at the restaurant, then you should give some to the poor. If you are doing it Friday night, Saturday then you are celebrating the Sabbath which requires celebration but then you have crossed religions. I don't think you are Jewish.

As for tipping, 10-20% is also true at the hair place.

[sylvar.livejournal.com]

The "law" was written so that less fortunate and wealth would be balanced. If you are spending 10% of your income feeding, transporting and caring for Jodi, then that has occurred.

Great insight! Thank you!

[ximinez]

My brief Christian experience also brings up that the money is given in a plain envelope with no markings, hence anonymous.

Or you could just cut a slot in a shoebox and put it somewhere out of the way... ;)

[fizzgig-bites.livejournal.com]

The Jews do that though it is usually in the shape of a house.

[albatross1.livejournal.com]

Oy! I'm with Les on this, but then you know I'm generally the type to rapidly lose patience with [as I perceive it!] stupidity or rudeness.

It's really none of Jodi's business how much you choose to give or not (or not give). Until she is married to your and/or bringing in a paycheck should she keep opinions like that to herself. Feh.

I also like what other folks have had to say on this.

How about stopping helping her out/feeding her/driving her around, and when she asks why tell her you're saving up to give a more respectable donation to the church? ;)