Difference between revisions of "Tithe"
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{{Bible}} | {{Bible}} | ||
| − | 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> | + | 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 | + | Tithing is generally preached within most [[Evangelical]], [[fundamentalist]] and [[Pentecostal]]/[[charismatic]] churches, though for different reasons ([[Prosperity Gospel]] churches will teach it as a means of earning God's favor, and thus more material blessings to the giver, while most churches teach it as demonstrating obedience to God and thankfulness for His blessings). It is also commonly emphasized greatly within [[megachurch]]es (to the extent that church employees, in some cases, have it automatically deducted from their paychecks as a condition of employment). |
| − | However, there are | + | 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== | ||
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*[https://www.gotquestions.org/tithes-and-offerings.html What is the difference between tithes and offerings?], at ''[[GotQuestions]]'' | *[https://www.gotquestions.org/tithes-and-offerings.html What is the difference between tithes and offerings?], at ''[[GotQuestions]]'' | ||
| − | [[Category: | + | [[Category:Christian Theology]] |
Revision as of 22:31, January 27, 2019
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In the Christian and Jewish traditions, a tithe is a sum of money, usually 10% of a person's income,[1] 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). 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 generally preached within most Evangelical, fundamentalist and Pentecostal/charismatic churches, though for different reasons (Prosperity Gospel churches will teach it as a means of earning God's favor, and thus more material blessings to the giver, while most churches teach it as demonstrating obedience to God and thankfulness for His blessings). It is also commonly emphasized greatly within megachurches (to the extent that church employees, in some cases, have it automatically deducted from their paychecks as a condition of employment).
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 Gentiles 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
- ↑ The Hebrew word for tithe is tenth.
