OK, but there is a difference between social systems in various countries. Sweden is different form Australia or USA,for example.
While your poor will end in the street and hungry and some church has to help them, in my country, state will take care of them, pays their living and hospital bills and thats why we have so high taxes. (Technically, its not a tax, its social and health insurance that is mandatory).
Also, our churches (at least some of them) receive payments from state.
So... instead of 10% I give lets say 40% on such things. It does not go to "Caesar" but to people.
While your poor will end in the street and hungry and some church has to help them, in my country, state will take care of them, pays their living and hospital bills and thats why we have so high taxes. (Technically, its not a tax, its social and health insurance that is mandatory).
Also, our churches (at least some of them) receive payments from state.
So... instead of 10% I give lets say 40% on such things. It does not go to "Caesar" but to people.
And I understand that the Lutheran Church is often a government
department or state sponsored religion in Scandinavia.
But ...
One still needs to be charitable on a personal level. I do not give
a fixed 10% of my income just to the church, but I give and share
plenty with family, strangers and good causes.
Like I will give to CC to keep this site going.