Should tithes be built into Afrikan spiritual systems?

**Obadele Kambon** · 07-18-2012, 03:19 PM

One of the constant complaints about diviners of Afrikan spirituality is that they're hustlers always trying to get a cow, a sheep or the equivalent in cold hard cash. Even as such, typically the shrines and residences of these diviners tend to be poorly maintained and, at the very least, pale in comparison to the sprawling churches and mosques of their christian and muslim counterparts. This brings me to my question, it seems the stream of revenue for all varieties of preachers is steady with a set percentage. For traditional practitioners this is not the case which may lead to accusations of corruption and hustling. So, should a set percentage be built into traditional spiritual practices so that they don't have to scrounge around to find various ways to get cash that may or may not be on the up and up? Thoughts?

**Yaw Agbede** · 09-03-2012, 12:34 PM

Should tithes be built into Afrikan spiritual systems?

Yes, but only if that Afrikan spiritual system is being used for our liberation.

**Niamahmi111** · 09-07-2012, 09:37 AM

There is nothing in this world that is not an economic transaction. The exchange may be something of spiritual, philosophical, material, or financial value, but an exchange has been made. Gratitude alone can not sustain our institutions or families. I don't know that tithes (without getting caught up in the semantics of that term) being built in to the spiritual community is a thing to gasp about. We have no problem paying mandatory and voluntary fees for a number of services and goods. Why should we hesitate to support our spiritual communities? I grew up in the church, and I tithed my 10% when I had it and when I could, without hesitation. When I attend Afrikan spiritual gatherings, I give what I have and what I can, and lately that has been in the form of service (cooking, serving, etc.). I understand the financial need to sustain our institutions, so to me, this is not a problem. Even Abibitumi Kasa needs financial support. Our endeavors do not operate in a bubble.

**Yaw Asare Aboagye** · 09-07-2012, 10:59 AM

Originally Posted by Yaw Àgbẹ̀dẹ

Yes, but only if that Afrikan spiritual system is being used for our liberation.

Agree 100%.

**Obadele Kambon** · 09-07-2012, 03:14 PM

Originally Posted by Yaw Àgbẹ̀dẹ

Yes, but only if that Afrikan spiritual system is being used for our liberation.

I can unite with this. What are your evaluative criteria to determine whether or not an Afrikan spiritual system is being used for our liberation?

---------- Post added at 07:14 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:13 PM ----------

Originally Posted by Niamahmi111

There is nothing in this world that is not an economic transaction. The exchange may be something of spiritual, philosophical, material, or financial value, but an exchange has been made. Gratitude alone can not sustain our institutions or families. I don't know that tithes (without getting caught up in the semantics of that term) being built in to the spiritual community is a thing to gasp about. We have no problem paying mandatory and voluntary fees for a number of services and goods. Why should we hesitate to support our spiritual communities? I grew up in the church, and I tithed my 10% when I had it and when I could, without hesitation. When I attend Afrikan spiritual gatherings, I give what I have and what I can, and lately that has been in the form of service (cooking, serving, etc.). I understand the financial need to sustain our institutions, so to me, this is not a problem. Even Abibitumi Kasa needs financial support. Our endeavors do not operate in a bubble.

Can we clone your mentality into all the other "conscious" Afrikans out there?

**Yaw Agbede** · 09-09-2012, 09:36 PM

Originally Posted by Niamahmi111

(without getting caught up in the semantics of that term)

Yeah, I definitely would not call it "tithes."

Originally Posted by Obadele Kambon

I can unite with this. What are your evaluative criteria to determine whether or not an Afrikan spiritual system is being used for our liberation?

Amongst other things, I look at how many krakkkers/a-rabs/asians have been killed as a direct result of the practice of that spiritual system. Also, how many independent(on enemies) and interdependent (on other Afrikans), total-Afrikan-liberation-related institutions have been created as a direct result of the practice of that spiritual system. Just like anything else, the "spiritual practice" can be used as a tool of our liberation or as a tool of our continued oppression - all depends on the practitioner.