Tithe or Pledge?

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A close family member of mine told me that a church that asks for pledges is not walking in faith. She quoted Prov. 11:15 and Eccl. 5:4. Tell me if I’m wrong but isn’t a pledge the same as a vow? I need some advice on how to respond.
 
jimmy97 said:
A close family member of mine told me that a church that asks for pledges is not walking in faith. She quoted Prov. 11:15 and Eccl. 5:4. Tell me if I’m wrong but isn’t a pledge the same as a vow? I need some advice on how to respond.
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The Old Testament verses mentioned seem to have more to do with not putting too much trust in strangers and with not making pledges on the behalf of strangers than with making pledges on your own behalf.

There does not seem to be anything wrong with Christians promising their collection gifts in advance. See 2 Corinthians 9:1-15.

5So I thought it necessary to urge the brethren to go on to you before me, and arrange in advance for** this gift you have promised**, so that it may be ready not as an exaction but as a willing gift. (2 Corinthians 9:5)
 
My fiancee Tithes 10% of his income,I on the other hand give only what I can afford any paticular Sunday, amounts vary depending on what part of the month I am in. I NEVER Pledge due to the simple fact I never know from week to week what my financial situation will be.
 
Tithing in the traditional sense is giving 10% of your gross income to the Church (a mostly protestant concept). Stewardship is preferred in Catholic circles, I think, and is the “Pledge” amount for the year. Stewardship is the “giving of your treasures” part of your overall duty along with giving your Time and talents to Christ’s Church on earth.
 
Thank you Todd. That’s a good verse to give her. I think she’s worried about offending God. She wanted me to find something in the Bible that says it’s ok to pledge. I hope my response was ok, I told her I would look for something if she could find where it talks about the Trinity as we understand it.
 
Seems to me that pledges given each year let the parish prepare a budget (yes, churches do have them). I am sure no one is going to come and get you if you are not able to fulfill your pledge completely, but at least it gives the parish a place to start.
 
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