Tithes

[Satish]

Could anyone explain to me about the Catholic Church's stand on the payment of tithes?

[Seeker]

Hi Satish,

My understanding is that the Church makes no requirements (like the obligation to attend Mass on Sunday) for tithes.  It is left up to the individual's heart.  However, a traditional (small "t") guideline has been 10% of your income.  In fact, the word "tithe" is an old Anglo-Saxon word for "a tenth."

Here is a nice article in the online Catholic Encyclopedia on the background and history of tithing in the Church.

In the US, tithes are presented as part of being a good steward of God's gifts (time, talent, and treasure), rather than a call for more money.

[Melody]

Dear Satish,

I'm SO GLAD you brought this up, as it is a subject that is often not given it's due importance. Tithing is not optional but a very necessary part of the Catholic Church's teachings. According to the precepts of the Church, we are obliged to tithe.

I've noted the 6 Precepts of the Catholic Church as follows:

1. To keep holy the day of the Lord's Resurrection: to worship God by participating in Mass every Sunday and Holy Day of Obligation: to avoid those activities that would hinder renewal of soul and body, e.g., needless work and business activities, unnecessary shopping, etc.

2. To lead a sacramental life: to receive Holy Communion frequently and the Sacrament of Penance regularly--minimally, to receive the Sacrament of Penance at least once a year; (Annual confession is obligatory only if serious sin is involved.)-- minimally, to receive Holy Communion at least once a year, between the First Sunday of Lent and Trinity Sunday.

3. To study Catholic teaching in preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation, to be confirmed, and then to continue to study and advance the cause of Christ.

4. To observe the marriage laws of the Church: to give religious training (by example and word) to one's children; to use parish schools and religious education programs.

5. To strengthen and support the Church: one's own parish community and parish priests; the worldwide Church and the Holy Father.

6. To do penance, including abstaining from meat and fasting from food on the appointed days.

In addition to the above six precepts, the American bishops, in 1973, added a seventh:

7. To join in the missionary spirit and apostolate of the Church.

Section 222 of the CCC states: "The Christian faithful are obliged to assist with the needs of the Church so that the Church has what is necessary for divine worship, for apostolic works and works of charity and for the decent sustenance of ministers. They are also obliged to promote social justice and, mindful of the precept of the Lord, to assist the poor from their own resources."

Tithing is very firmly rooted in Scripture and as Seeker rightly mentioned, the word "Tithe" specifically means "one tenth" and as described in the Old Testament, was based on the first fruits of all of your produce (Deut. 18:4; Proverbs 3:9-10). Note this means the good first fruit - and not the left over / surplus / unwanted fruit.

I ask you to read the following article which states

THREE REASONS FOR GIVING MATERIALLY
1. To support the poor materially (primary emphasis) and cultural/religious (2444).
2. To support aged parents and family.
3. To support the works of the Church (spiritual and corporal works).

It also lists the Principles & Practical aspects of giving. For more practical tips, read the works of Thomas Aquinas.

Feel feel to ask me to clarify anything I've noted here as it's just the tip of the iceberg.

Blessings,

Melody

[Satish]

This question has been lingering for some time.
Thanks Seeker and Melody for those wonderful thoughts. The articles are definitely helpful. I need some more time to ponder over the points raised by Melody and the points in the articles.
God bless!
Satish

[Richard Mascarenhas]

Hi,

Thanks for the new password.  The link provided to reset the password needs attention. 

On the topic of Tithes, I have these questions:

1.  Is it necessary that the 10% be given only to the Parish to which one belongs?

2.  What if the Parish has fixed an X amount per family which may be less than the 10%, is he fullfiling the obligation

3.  Is giving tithe an obligation or a voluntary contribution? 


Richard

[Seeker]

Good questions Richard.

This is just my reading of the tithing.  I'd be interested to hear what others have to say.

As Melody pointed out, we have an obligation to strengthen and support the Church and her mission.  This could be monetary or time and talent.  Not everyone can give money and still meet obligations like feeding their family.

With this in mind, the answers to your questions are my personal opinion and carry no greater weight than your own or anyone else's.  I couldn't find an "official" position.

1.  Is it necessary that the 10% be given only to the Parish to which one belongs?
No.  But we should give what we can to help maintain and provide for the material needs of the parish family.

2.  What if the Parish has fixed an X amount per family which may be less than the 10%, is he fullfiling the obligation
Our parish priest said each family should give what they could.  Some could give more, others less.  The goal was an average of so much per family.  So if a family could not give the stated "X" amount and still provide for the needs of the family, they shouldn't.  But other families more blessed materially should give more.  I think it's what's in your heart when you give that counts.  If you can give 10%, and you don't then you're cheating God since it's all his anyway.  We're just stewards.

3.  Is giving tithe an obligation or a voluntary contribution? 
Both.  An ethical obligation because we are commanded by God to love our neighbor.  Part of love is sharing our wealth.  But not an obligation under the penalty of sin like attending Mass.  Though not fulfilling this ethical obligation could be sinful depending on why we don't share our wealth.  And voluntary because it is our decision on how much we give and how we give it.

Let me know what you think.

[Forgiven70x700]

Well, I’d like to first say - that I am honoured to be apart of this forum.  It was truly not an accident that I stumbled upon the Glorify-God website.  I’ve read many postings and have come to the conclusion that I’m in the company of a great group of Saved Sinners.  Thank you for allowing me to begin to be apart of these group discussions.

I see that not much has been posted very recently – so forgive me if I’m bringing up old news, but I’ve been looking for other Christians to communicate with and the Lord brought me here.  Thank you Jesus!

Something just hit me today on the issue of tithing, and I’d like to share it with you.  All we have comes from God.  The fact that I am able to breathe, walk, talk, and write this note is a gift from God.  My life is not my own.  I am bought with a price – the price of the Precious Blood of the Lamb.  So, do I give Him 10% of my life?  All of my income is from the Lord.  So, do I give Him 10% of my income?

I am a black and white kind of guy – but I’m trying to learn to be more grey in certain areas.  So, under the law it was clear – give at least 10% of your first fruits.  The law has been fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ – so I am free from the law of sin and death.  So, I am called to give my best to God.  The person who is not employed, yet is a saved sinner by the grace of God can’t give 10% of an income.  But that same person can give 100% of themselves. 

If we give sparingly we will reap sparingly.  This is true for all things.  If we give to the Lord just 10% of our lives – we will sparingly reap spiritual growth.   I’ve been guilty of that, so I don’t want to sound like a Godly man, when I’ve got trouble in both of these areas I am talking about.

All I’m trying to say is – that giving to the Lord is not a numerical figure.  It is a spiritual movement.  Give as it is purposed in your hearts.  However, if you say you are tithing unto the Lord – then indeed you are giving 10% because that is what tithe means.  Remember, it is all God’s and we can’t out give God.   

[Seeker]

Well, I’d like to first say - that I am honoured to be apart of this forum.

We're honored to have you as part of our family, Forgiven. 

Remember, it is all God’s and we can’t out give God. 

Amen!

BTW - All very good points.