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In the [[Christian]] and [[Jewish]] traditions, a '''tithe''' is a sum of [[money]], usually 10% of a person's [[income]]<ref>The Hebrew word for ''tithe'' is ''tenth''.</ref>, that is given to the [[church]].

In the [[Christian]] and [[Jewish]] traditions, a '''tithe''' is a sum of [[money]], usually 10% of a person's [[income]]<ref>The Hebrew word for ''tithe'' is ''tenth''.</ref>, that is given to the [[church]].

The tithe is mandated in the [[Old Testament]] ([[Leviticus]] 27:30–33) as applicable to Jews, and praised by [[Jesus]] ([[Matthew]] 23:23).

The tithe is mandated in the [[Old Testament]] ([[Leviticus]] 27:30–33) as applicable to Jews, and praised by [[Jesus]] ([[Matthew]] 23:23).  However, the practice was referenced twice prior to the Mosaic Law being given: when Abraham gave a tithe of the spoils of war to Melchizedek, and when Jacob vowed a tithe of all he possessed.

Tithing is strongly preached – for different reasons – within theologically conservative [[fundamentalist]] churches and those which hold to the [[Prosperity Gospel]].  It is also commonly emphasized greatly within [[Megachurch|megachurches]] (to the extent that church employees, in some cases, have it automatically deducted from their paychecks).

Tithing is strongly preached – for different reasons – within theologically conservative [[fundamentalist]] churches and those which hold to the [[Prosperity Gospel]].  It is also commonly emphasized greatly within [[Megachurch|megachurches]] (to the extent that church employees, in some cases, have it automatically deducted from their paychecks).

However, there are many churches which do not believe that it applies to Christians today: among arguments against the tithe is Acts 15, where after disagreements as to what extent (if any) newly-converted [[Gentile]]s were to keep Mosaic Law, it was decided that only four specific requirements needed to be kept (v. 29; the tithe not being among them). Also I Corinthians 16:2 does not mention the tithe, though written by a Jew (the [[Apostle Paul]]) to Gentiles who would not know Mosaic Law; if the tithe were to be maintained he would have specifically pointed that out to people not having prior knowledge.

However, there are churches which do not believe that it applies to Christians today.  Arguments against include:

*the actions of Abraham and Jacob prior to Mosaic Law were one-time events, not a pattern of regular giving.

*Acts 15, where after disagreements as to what extent (if any) newly-converted [[Gentile]]s were to keep Mosaic Law, it was decided that only four specific requirements needed to be kept (v. 29; the tithe not being among them).

*I Corinthians 16:2 does not mention the tithe, though written by a Jew (the [[Apostle Paul]]) to Gentiles who would not know Mosaic Law; if the tithe were to be maintained he would have specifically pointed that out to people not having prior knowledge.

==References==

==References==