Interesting article in the Wall Street Journal: The Backlash Against Tithing: As Churches Push Donations, Congregants Balk, by Suzanne Sataline:
Can you put a price on faith? That is the question churchgoers are asking as the tradition of tithing — giving 10% of your income to the church — is increasingly challenged. Opponents of tithing say it is a misreading of the Bible, a practice created by man, not God. They say they should be free to donate whatever amount they choose, and they are arguing with pastors, writing letters and quitting congregations in protest. In response, some pastors have changed their teaching and rejected what has been a favored form of fund raising for decades. …
Tithing has its roots in the Biblical tale of Abraham presenting a tenth of the war spoils to Melchizedek, the king of Salem. In the Old Testament, Jews brought 10% of their harvest to a storehouse as a welfare plan for the needy or in case of famine. That percentage, say pro-tithers, can be a useful guideline for Christians today. …
Resistance to tithing has been increasing steadily in recent years, as more churchgoers have questioned the way their churches spend money. Like other philanthropists today, religious givers want to see exactly how their donations are being used. In some cases, the growth of megachurches, some with expensive worship centers equipped with coffee bars and widescreen TVs, have turned people off of tithing. And those who object are finding like-minded souls on the Web in theological forums. Many churchgoers also balk at the idea that a certain amount of money will ensure salvation
See also the tithing and tax trilogy by Adam Chodorow (Arizona State):
- Agricultural Tithing and (Flat) Tax Complexity, 68 U. Pitt. L. Rev. 267 (2007)
- Biblical Tax Systems and the Case for Progressivity, 23 J.L. & Relig. ___ (2007)
- Maaser Kesafim and the Development of Tax Law, 8 Fla. Tax Rev. 153 (2007)
