Wow Donna.... sistah... brutal honesty! Thanks for that.
I too wonder if I would have wallowed in whatever spiritually had I not gone through what I feel was complete crisis. It really caused me to seek what I feel is genuine experiences rather than hype and culture that frankly I was so lost in. I suppose because of the comfort that comes with familiarity.
Also, the tithe thing. I am a deep, deep believer in giving. I am not sure however how it is to be done other than our best. I too was brought up with a emphasis on tithing. Mainly by those who were frankly most in a position to benefit from it. Dont get me wrong, I have also seen the opposite of it where a capable congregation ignores the blatant material needs of their minister and/or fellow members.
I have found great peace in the "Seventh Tradition" of alcoholics anonymous.... "We are self-supporting through our own contributions .... declining outside contributions". Basically AA is exclusively self-supported. We do not even accept free donations from family members of members. My wife cannot contribute other than helping me set up chairs. It is by the people for the people it serves. Period.
The maximum bequest (willed amount at death) a member can leave to AA is $2,000. Why? Well we keep financial gain, positions, and prestige at absolute minimums so we do not divert from our primary purpose.... "to carry the message to the alcoholic who still suffers".
Many churches in my experience are self-deceived in their efforts to raise and manage money and carrying the message. Our method is so much less complicated. Yet in my city alone, there are over 100 AA meetings per day... probably 150. Yet nobody is paid to put them on and no requirement to give. Pretty stark contrast.
I am thrilled that you found what is working for you. Keep it going. Thanks for your reply to my thread.
