Religious Organizations: What is Tithing?
By Michele Blandino
Many people are reluctant to join a particular church or other place of worship because they have heard that the organization expects their members to tithe - pledge a specific percentage of their earnings to that organization. While this is the basic premise of tithing, it is also important to realize that your tithe includes all charitable donations, not just those made to your place of worship.
Tithing Defined
The concept of tithing can be traced back to the Old Testament. In fact, the earliest instances of tithing can be found among Jews who required their citizens to pay a ten percent tax. There are many references to tithing throughout both the Old and New Testaments; one of the most specific can be found in the Book of Genesis where it says: "This stone, that I have set up as a pillar will be God's house, and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth" (Gen. 28:22).
A tithe, then is a pledge of one-tenth of your property with property generally defined as your income. In the truest sense, tithing involves giving the first ten percent of income - as opposed to giving whatever income you may have left over. In this manner, according to Scripture, you are assured that you are giving your very best.
In reality, however, most people make their tithe in weekly or monthly installments so that by the end of the year, they have contributed their entire pledged amount.
How it Works
Tithing can take many different forms. In some religious denominations, families make a specific financial pledge and make payments toward that pledge over the course of each year. In other denominations, the amount tithed is not specifically stated rather, the member contributes an amount of their choosing.
Depending on the organization to which you are making your tithe, contributions you make to other charities, and in some cases even tuition to a religious school such as a parochial school can be used to offset the amount of your tithe. Some organizations will allow you to tithe time in place of money, meaning the time you spend in a volunteer capacity can offset your monetary donation. While this sounds almost like a loophole - and therefore contradictory to the entire concept of tithing - it actually reinforces the fact that the tithe is a show of gratitude.
What the Opponents Say
Needless to say, tithing has its critics. The strongest opposition comes from those who dispute the belief that the Bible encourages tithing. Other critics simply resent being told how much they should contribute.
For More Information:
Obviously, the decision of whether or not to tithe is largely a personal one. People have different reasons for - and for not - tithing. If you are unsure, you should speak to your pastor or minister to get their views. You may also want to consult some independent sources. Here are a few: