QuestionEverything wrote:I agree that the Epistemological basis of a 'testimony' is the underlying problem here, and to some degree, it is almost impossible to undermine. How one puts a chink in that armor, poking a hole to allow at least a little light in, is a major challenge.
But given the financial duress they are experiencing, perhaps there is a slight chance that the right approach on this very practical issue, might lead to some internal reflection.
As I semi-jokingly said to a friend when discussing this type of situation: "God doesn't bless people, I bless people." For the theists here, I'm only semi-serious, and realize these are complex matters, but it still gives me a chuckle.
Let me know if anything works. It might save me some money too.
I suppose since it is your kids and they know how you stand on the church, you may ask them why you should give them money when you know they are still paying their tithing? Though those kind of questions tend to end in arguments that end relationships.
As a side note, my parents helped us out too, even though I never paid tithing or was active at that time, so I suppose this conversation goes both ways. My experience is that if you give your kids money, it is with the expectation that it is never returned and that there are no strings attached. While I eventually paid my parents back in later years with interest, I was grateful there never was any pressure on me to pay them back or change the way I lived because I owed them money. In my opinion maintaining relationships with my kids outweighs any amount of money.