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There are lots of patterns in my own religious tradition that I find valuable, separate from the aspect of faith. Some examples: - setting aside the Sabbath a

by kbutler 10y ago

There are lots of patterns in my own religious tradition that I find valuable, separate from the aspect of faith. Some examples: - setting aside the Sabbath as a day of rest. Different from the rest of the days of the week. A day for analysis of the direction of your life, recommitment to your values, and taking a break from the burden of everyday responsibilities and work and play. - ministering to neighbors. Watching out for and serving those around you. Having someone close by who cares and is willing to help. - tithing - dedicating a fixed, significant percentage of income to charity. - fasting - abstaining from food and drink for a day, and giving the money that would have been spent (and more if able) to help those in need. This has social benefit as well as personal physical and spiritual/emotional benefit.

EdHominem 10y ago
Tithing isn't charity. If it was, you could give your tithe to a street person. Try going to your temple/etc and telling them that you gave already. You'll quickly learn that it's an in-group fee, not charity. And yes, many people get a lot from mindfulness. Why do you feel that it's only appropriate on one day of the week? And how do you get there without faith?
- losvedir 10y ago
  > Try going to your temple/etc and telling them that you gave already. You'll quickly learn that it's an in-group fee, not charity. Not sure where you're getting this but that hasn't been my experience at all. From my upbringing in several Catholic churches you're expected to "tithe" as a general principle but no one follows up with you on your accounts. My family always set aside our tithing amounts each year, but we got to distribute it as we saw fit, some to the church, sure, but others to scholarships or charities that we wanted.
  - dkuntz2 10y ago
    The practice of tithing comes from a tax that existed to support the church and clergy. Saving ten percent of your income and distributing it as you please isn't tithing in the traditional sense, only the portion given to the church is considered a tithe.

by kbutler 10y ago

EdHominem 10y ago

Tithing isn't charity. If it was, you could give your tithe to a street person. Try going to your temple/etc and telling them that you gave already. You'll quickly learn that it's an in-group fee, not charity. And yes, many people get a lot from mindfulness. Why do you feel that it's only appropriate on one day of the week? And how do you get there without faith?

losvedir 10y ago
> Try going to your temple/etc and telling them that you gave already. You'll quickly learn that it's an in-group fee, not charity. Not sure where you're getting this but that hasn't been my experience at all. From my upbringing in several Catholic churches you're expected to "tithe" as a general principle but no one follows up with you on your accounts. My family always set aside our tithing amounts each year, but we got to distribute it as we saw fit, some to the church, sure, but others to scholarships or charities that we wanted.
- dkuntz2 10y ago
  The practice of tithing comes from a tax that existed to support the church and clergy. Saving ten percent of your income and distributing it as you please isn't tithing in the traditional sense, only the portion given to the church is considered a tithe.