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Tithing is the practice of setting aside a portion of income for the Church, traditionally 10%, but now typically 1-10%. Tithing is found in Jewish and Christian traditions, with the Old Testament providing ample support. Compulsory tithing still exists in some regions, while in others it is simply encouraged and tax deductible. Tithing need not be just for Christians and Jews, as agnostics and atheists may choose to set aside a portion of their income for charity.
When people set aside a portion of their income for the Church, this is known as tithing. Tithing is practiced in both Jewish and Christian traditions, and some other religions also have a form of tithing. Traditionally, a tithe is classified as 10% of someone’s income, although nowadays a tithe typically represents a much smaller percentage, with one to 10% being more common.
The Old Testament provides ample support for the practice of tithing, although tithing was not widely practiced in the Christian church until nearly the seventh century. However, before tithing became an integral part of the Christian faith, Christians still gave generously of their income to support the Church and its teachers. For those without money, such donations could take the form of manufactured goods, grown foods, and various services to support the Church.
In some parts of the world after the seventh century, tithing became mandatory, with all people required to pay their tithing. The income from tithing was used to support religious officiants, to build churches and other monuments to the faith, and to carry out Church work, ranging from sending out missionaries to providing food for the poor. The amount of the tithe varied according to what was being decimated; farmers could receive tithes for grain, for example, while wineries gave away some of their wine as tithes. Tithes were stored in a granary for use or sale by the Church and its officials.
The practice of compulsory tithing still exists in some regions; Catholics, for example, are required to pay tithes in some European countries. Failure to pay at least 1 percent of one’s income to the Church is punishable, with the Church legally entitled to sue people who fail to pay their tithing, unless people prove they are leaving the Church. In other regions, tithing is simply encouraged and in many cases is tax deductible, along with other charitable donations.
Tithing need not be just for Christians and members of the Jewish faith, although it is closely associated with these religions. Agnostics and atheists may choose to set aside a portion of their income for charities to support their communities, just as Christians support the Church and her works by tithing. Some people find dedicating part of their income to charity very rewarding, as it establishes a connection with the community and allows people to encourage projects and works that they deem particularly worthy.
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