What Is a Tithe?

Many people may think they know what a tithe is. But while tithes have become synonymous with religion and the Christian church, tithing hasn't always been about religion.

History

The word "tithe" comes from Old English and is one-tenth of something. Today, tithes usually refer to contributions made to a religious organization through a cash, check or stock donation. They are voluntary or can be a tax or levy. While they now are generally cash-based, tithes used to be paid through a variety of means, including in-kind trades such as agricultural products.

Significance

Today, tithes are seen almost solely within the Christian church. They are the donations that make the work done by churches possible and are frequently, depending on denomination, preached from the pulpit on Sunday mornings. The significance of tithing may be suspect today, however, as many people believe the act was meant only for Israelites hundreds of years ago.

Types

Tithing generally is thought of as an action taken by people for a purpose. Usually, that purpose is religious. But early on, a tithe also referred to a group of 10 households that lived close to each other and acted as sureties to the king.

Geography

While the religious concept of a tithe will always be tied to the Holy Land---and Israel, specifically---the word and concept were better developed by the English. Early in English life, there were local administrative units known as "tithings." These were units that carried out essentially legal responsibilities through a "tithingman" or "headborough." "Tithingmen" later became known as peace officers, or constables, and were elected annually to make disorderly conduct complaints and preserve good order within a parish.

Theories/Speculation

Often, the act of giving a tithe is traced back to teachings found in the Old Testament. However, theories abound that tithing didn't really begin until New Testament times. That has not kept scholars and others from writing otherwise, however. Dr. Dale Robbins addresses tithing in an article (see Resources), which quotes Old Testament passages from Malachi and Psalms as having to do with tithes.

Fun Fact

The Catholic and Christian churches didn't even formally adopt the tithe until more than 750 years after Christianity began. While Christian Councils at Tours and Macon mentioned the practice, it wasn't until 787 under Pope Adrian I that the Catholic church adopted tithing officially.

References

• The Tithe Belongs to the Lord