There are many fantastic “Numo” blogs and videos on this topic (I recommend you read this one).
This meme pretty much sums it up.
The LDS requirement of 10% of your income is contrary to Christ. He tells us many times to give to the poor, not take from them.
Those who have a lot should pay a lot; those who have little should pay little; and to those who have not, to them it should be given.
I personally know several people who have been “cast out of their synagogues” (Alma 33:2–but read the whole chapter) or in other words, denied a temple recommend, because they couldn’t afford tithing.
“Which devour widow’s houses” (Luke 20:47)
If it’s somebody’s first recommend, they are literally being denied temple ordinances for “salvation.” — Their salvation depends on paying a fee.
According to Mormons, tithing “is one of the requirements for everyone to receive the blessings of and qualify for exaltation” (Kyungu).
Even with tithing being a terrific principle, it being a requirement for salvation is ridiculous and directly contradicts the free gift Christ gave us.
Anyone who has an issue with the Catholic sale of indulgences in the Middle Ages should also take offense at this LDS doctrine.
Then we could have a whole separate conversation on what tithing should be used for. Where in scripture do we pay tithes to build billion dollar edifices? Tithing is for the poor. But no, “They rob the poor because of their fine sanctuaries” (2 Nephi 28:13).
Now, as for me, I do count out ten percent of my income and I donate it to food banks or churches with something beautiful to offer, or I give directly to the poor.
I desire to offer to God my tithes. How do I pay it to Him? “Inasmuch as ye have done it to the least of these your brethren, ye have done it unto me.”
I want to say I believe deeply in being generous. “Because I have been given much, I too must give.” I encourage you to find a cause you believe in, something that will bring (living, suffering) people to Christ.
Even if finances are tight, give what you can. It’s a beautiful, unselfish thing to make a sacrifice and be aware of those even less fortunate. Studies show that generosity pays dividends.
But please don’t let your own children go hungry! Have a vehicle in good working order. Get your rent and utilities paid, of course. 😊
And for Heaven’s sake, please don’t buy your salvation. Trust Jesus when he said it’s free (Ephesians 2:8-9). It’s not dependent on anything that would cause one person to boast, and another person not be able to do it. We can all receive it freely, through Jesus our Savior.
All I Possess 