Age: 25
City: Chicago
“Of course I am. I think the recession would affect me more if I didn’t tithe. I’m able to take a vacation during one of the rough times in the economy and experience New York for a month because I tithe 10 percent every time.”
Age: 42
City: New York, New York
“For me, it’s spiritual and my relationship with God, even with the recession, it’s important to give back.”
Age: 38
City: Brooklyn
“I don’t mind giving a little contribution to the church when it’s necessary, but not right now; it’s too tough.”
Age: 42
City: Bronx, New York
“I’m a Christian and it’s my God-given duty to tithe. Sometimes, I’m tempted not to give but I try to do what the Lord says.”
Age: 21
City: Staten Island, New York
“To be honest, no, I have other expenses that I have to pay like rent and school tuition. I don’t have money to spare. I know it sounds crazy because it’s church, but times are hard.”
Age: 38
City: New York, New York
“I’m not a member of a church anymore, so no. Only because I’m not a member of a church anymore.”
By: Jenisha Watts
Are you having trouble giving back to the church in these economic times? When the basket comes around now, are you giving less than you used to? Or are you giving back in different ways? Well, ESSENCE.COM hit the streets to ask readers if they were tithing in these tough economic times. Read on to see what they had to say.
As told to Jenisha Watts
