Inactive tithe payers

[ERCougar]

I just found out that both of my nurses today are completely inactive, drink coffee and alcohol, but pay a full tithe every year. I wonder how common this is.

People are fascinating.

[Sullyute]

I just found out that both of my nurses today are completely inactive, drink coffee and alcohol, but pay a full tithe every year. I wonder how common this is.

People are fascinating.

Fire insurance.

[Indy Coug]

I just found out that both of my nurses today are completely inactive, drink coffee and alcohol, but pay a full tithe every year. I wonder how common this is.

People are fascinating.

My FIL has done this (at least periodically) for decades.

[wuapinmon]

I just found out that both of my nurses today are completely inactive, drink coffee and alcohol, but pay a full tithe every year. I wonder how common this is.

People are fascinating.

We had one person in my ward in Georgia who did that (sans the WoW stuff). He also did all of his hometeaching every month. He refused to come to church--I never knew why. His daughter came every week and he drove her to seminary.

[DrumNFeather]

I remember as a deacon that some of the most consistent fast offering payers were the completely inactive members. (Consistent at the door, a lot of people said they paid with their tithing).

Not totally the same thing, but still.

[Portland Ute]

I just found out that both of my nurses today are completely inactive, drink coffee and alcohol, but pay a full tithe every year. I wonder how common this is.

People are fascinating.

Two of my assistants have parents that are the same. Rarely if ever attend church but pay a full tithe.

That, to me, seems to be the oddest of relationships with the LDS church. It's really an admission that you believe in the authority of the Church, it's doctrines and saving ordinances. If you believe, then why not go?

That is far more curious to me than an "active" member that doesn't pay, which would seem to indicate a lack of belief/faith that the Church is the sole path to heaven but they engage out of social/familial/other pressures.

[Northwestcoug]

Fire insurance.

Yeah, but alcohol is flammable

[ERCougar]

Two of my assistants have parents that are the same. Rarely if ever attend church but pay a full tithe.

That, to me, seems to be the oddest of relationships with the LDS church. It's really an admission that you believe in the authority of the Church, it's doctrines and saving ordinances. If you believe, then why not go?

That is far more curious to me than an "active" member that doesn't pay, which would seem to indicate a lack of belief/faith that the Church is the sole path to heaven but they engage out of social/familial/other pressures.

Yeah, that's my question!

One responded, "I believe in the law of the tithe (her words), but I think the Word of Wisdom is silly. And just because I pay my tithing doesn't mean I want to be bothered. They need to focus on the people sitting at Church who don't pay theirs."

I didn't press it, but it makes me wonder if they consider the financial sacrifice the heart of what God asks of them.

[DrumNFeather]

Yeah, that's my question!

One responded, "I believe in the law of the tithe (her words), but I think the Word of Wisdom is silly. And just because I pay my tithing doesn't mean I want to be bothered. They need to focus on the people sitting at Church who don't pay theirs."

I didn't press it, but it makes me wonder if they consider the financial sacrifice the heart of what God asks of them.

Perhaps tithing is an easier principle to follow because it is one that seems to transcend different churches. I met a guy on my mission that sent 10% into a radio preacher...others I know give 10% to their church (which does not ask for it) plus you have collection plates. Maybe it's just the path of least resistance for some.

[Portland Ute]

They need to focus on the people sitting at Church who don't pay theirs."

I didn't press it, but it makes me wonder if they consider the financial sacrifice the heart of what God asks of them.

I think you might be right. I suppose if you didn't feel accepted because of WoW issues, then you might not go but still pay tithing. But that would seem to circle right around to your thought that they consider the monetary aspect to be the most important.

[Surfah]

I just found out that both of my nurses today are completely inactive, drink coffee and alcohol, but pay a full tithe every year. I wonder how common this is.

People are fascinating.

As a deacon my fast offering route included a few inactives that paid faithfully every month. As a ward clerk I also had someone that I had never met or seen before make donations regularly.

[TripletDaddy]

My FIL does this.

I guess I don't see why it is so weird. Or, better said, any more weird than an "active" member that attends and believes yet still commits sin on a regular basis, isn't a great home/visiting teacher, etc etc. Why is one more rational than the other?

Besides, even inactives want a tax deduction. Might as well keep it in the tribe.

[ERCougar]

My FIL does this.

I guess I don't see why it is so weird. Or, better said, any more weird than an "active" member that attends and believes yet still commits sin on a regular basis, isn't a great home/visiting teacher, etc etc. Why is one more rational than the other?

Besides, even inactives want a tax deduction. Might as well keep it in the tribe.

Your FIL drinks and doesn't go to church?

I think it's a little weird in that it's so premeditated. We all have "sins" of weakness, but this kind of sin (or whatever you want to call it) is thought out and planned. It goes through what seems to me a strange decision window. If you think the Church is the best use of your donated money, why? Lots of possible answers to that, but I think they're interesting. As for rational, who knows? Not for me to judge.

[Katy Lied]

Beyond insurance, maybe they dont believe in the church, but believe that the church does a good job with its social programs, so contribute for that.

[TripletDaddy]

Your FIL drinks and doesn't go to church?

I think it's a little weird in that it's so premeditated. We all have "sins" of weakness, but this kind of sin (or whatever you want to call it) is thought out and planned. It goes through what seems to me a strange decision window. If you think the Church is the best use of your donated money, why? Lots of possible answers to that, but I think they're interesting. As for rational, who knows? Not for me to judge.

Yes. He also gambles semi-professionally and does other things that the Church would deem inappropriate.. I have 2 FILs. Utah FIL and biological FIL.

He doesnt plan his life around "sinning" nor is he premeditating open opposition to the Church. In his mind, he isn't sinning. He is just living his life every day and is quite happy. But he also sees good in the Church and wants to support it in a way that is meaningful to him.

As I said earlier, to me it isn't weird. Makes sense. The LDS Church is a charitable organization. Why do you have to be active to donate to it? If someone donates to the Red Cross, do they have to be active in the activities of the Red Cross? Many people choose a cause and donate but often don't get involved beyond that. Ironically, many actives view tithing as compulsory, they pay it, but on some level they resent having to do it, which is why some (not necessarily you) cannot understand why someone else would pay it if they didnt have to. Some inactives leave the Church and don't have a lot of desire to go back to the daily grind, but still believe in the general purpose of the Church and want to help out and are genuinely happy to pay tithing.