Talk:Tithes and Firstfruits

http://members.ij.net/ona/#Supporting the Church

This article should definitely be consulted. While stewardship is important, Orthodox Christians should not use the modern invention of the monetary "tithe" as the norm to do it. Orthodoxy must not imitate Protestant norms.—The preceding unsigned comment was added by Severus (talk • contribs) .

What is "Protestant" about giving a monetary tithe? Anyway, the author of the article you recommend seems to be equating tithing with "dues" (i.e., a tax in order to be permitted church membership). It's also not quite clear what his point is, other than that he doesn't like tithing.

In addition, pretty much everyone I've ever heard speak on tithing in the Orthodox Church speaks of it in terms of a discipline, a starting place. Because of course the ultimate place we're supposed to get to is in giving absolutely everything to God. I know of no one who "requires" it.

The article seems to be inventing a position, then knocking it down with essentially the position of those who are actually espousing tithing (as opposed to those demanding "dues"). "Encouragement" is precisely what's most often put forward.

And besides that, it's hard to take a piece of writing too seriously which YELLS AT YOU every other sentence. —Fr. Andrew ^talk contribs 13:39, April 28, 2007 (PDT)