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Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for giving to charity, but I would never give 10% of gross income plus we are very selective about the charities we give to. We look to those that can best directly serve people. St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital is our priority.
In my opinion, tithing 10% can create undue pressure and financial hardship and a skewing of priorities.
To me the first priority is family and their security and eventually helping children and grandchildren when appropriate. The second is your retirement.
Achieving financial independence to the extent a person does not become a burden on others or society is the goal.
As I see it …paying your debts, avoiding unnecessary debt, educating your children, saving for retirement all come first before tithing.
If a person can tithe 10% of gross income while meeting all other obligations and financial priorities, good for them. They did better than we did.
It’s the pressure on those who can’t handle that commitment that I worry about.
Regardless of how one wants to give, to me it needs to reflect their financial state and responsibilities. A young couple starting out needs different priorities and 10% or even less giving may not be prudent. This is the time to build.
As their finances become more stable and adequate they may want to increase giving, in older age even more so.
Give according to one’s ability, not an arbitrary standard. There is a season for everything.
In our early years as a married couple, I knew how much we spent each year, but not how it was proportionately allocated. Our giving was irregular, and at the end of each year, our charitable receipts did not reflect how we might have prioritized our giving.
When we designed a spending plan, we proportionately allocated our dollars to various categories according to our values and desires. This included all giving, deductible and non-deductible. We had similar priorities as did you, and over the years with rising income and wealth, so did our giving. I leave it to others to decide whether and how to include secular and sectarian giving as that is beyond my scope.
I understand the point of your article, and you offer some astute observations. Grappling with this topic reveals our world view, and mine is one of faith. As such, my belief is we own nothing but are stewards of what we have been entrusted.
As citizens of the United States and countries of Western Europe, we are among the wealthiest people in the history of the world. I think that with that blessing comes responsibility. Scripture also reminds us that to whom much is given, much will be required.
Financial expert Ron Blue identifies four basic uses of money: live, give, owe, and grow—five if you separate “owe” into debt and taxes. Most people naturally prioritize them this way: live first, then owe, grow, and finally give.
Over the years, I’ve found that inverting that order not only aligns with biblical stewardship but also leads to greater peace and purpose:
1. Give – Honor God and bless others with your first fruits.
2. Grow – Build steadily and wisely.
3. Owe – Manage and minimize debt and taxes.
4. Live – Let your lifestyle fit what remains and enjoy your blessings.
While the New Testament doesn’t specify an amount to share, I think John Ortberg put it well when it comes to our giving: “The tithe is a wonderful floor—but a terrible ceiling.” As we are blessed with more, our generosity should grow right alongside it. From my personal experience, I have found that I simply cannot outgive God. His shovel is larger than mine.
Thanks for your thoughts Dick. As you know, I have a completely different perspective. You can read my experience with tithing here (https://humbledollar.com/2021/06/magic-number/). I often joke that my I lost credibility with tithing when I became a minister. We started long before seminary was a glint in my eye. Tithing is the best spiritual and financial practice I have ever learned. The spiritual lessons include remembering that there will be enough and sharing what we have is good for everyone; the financial include learning the discipline and trusting there will be enough. If I had a magic wand I would start people out giving 10% away, saving 10% and spending 80%. The God and religion stuff can get in the way for too many; it is the practice and realities it teaches that makes it most valuable. (And while 10% has some religious doctrine/baggage about it, we mainly did it because it was “easiest” accounting wise.)
Though I am not a religious person, the concept of tithing once provided a useful goal for my charitable giving. Early on, with few resources, I pledged to myself to give annually to charity an amount equal to my spending on holiday gifts to family and friends. With more resources, a steady income, and growing savings, I felt priviledged in giving 10% of my income annually to charity — something along the lines of tithing. Now retired and secure, that amount is one third of my income. Along the way I have supported the educational pursuits of a rather distant step family. Whatever is left will go to charity. I love the thought that my good luck in investing and disciplined savings can help others.
I appreciate learning from all of the comments shared on this topic. Each appropriately reflects the commenters’ beliefs, values and experiences– all which should be respected. In my Christian faith tradition, we also consider “first-fruits giving” as an additional way to practice the spiritual disciple of gratitude. My AI friend contrasts that with tithing……
Tithing comes from the Hebrew word “ma’aser,” meaning tenth. Biblically, it refers to giving 10% of one’s income or produce to God (Leviticus 27:30–33). Historically, the tithe supported the work of the temple and Levites, and today many Christians practice it as a regular, proportional act of obedience and trust in God’s provision. It is typically ongoing—done each time income is received, such as a paycheck or harvest yield.
First-fruits giving originates in Old Testament agricultural practices (Exodus 23:19; Proverbs 3:9). People would offer the very first and best portion of their harvest as a sign of gratitude and dedication to God before consuming or enjoying the rest. In a modern Christian context, first-fruits giving symbolizes offering the first increase—for example, the first paycheck of a new job, a year-end bonus, or similar “first” blessings—to God in thanksgiving. It is not a set percentage but a spontaneous act of worship and gratitude, often done seasonally or on special occasions rather than regularly.
Bill, thanks for the explanation on the “first fruits” giving. That was a new term to me, we have always just called it “offering”. Chris
I don’t see this as a religious topic. Tithing does have its origins in religion— and beyond Christianity— but today it seems that the social contract extends beyond religious organizations to secular nonprofits and government. If we see all this as part of the larger topic of social responsibility, there may be reasonable tradeoffs households make when allocating their giving. I have a friend who tithes but intentionally relocated in retirement to a very low cost tax area. My husband and I have made the reverse decision. Others may elect a different combination of religious tithing, secular donations, and government taxes. I find this evolution of giving an interesting situation— no judgment about which arrangement is better.
As far as whether any giving compromises ability to provide for family and retirement, I imagine there may be some extreme cases where it does. I have seen a few cases where elderly women have been pushed to give beyond their limit. But most of us set priorities and spend according to them.
I’ve thought about this a lot. I grew up Episcopalian, and my father, a lay leader in the church, would preach the sermon once a year about giving to the church. The priest thought it would appear less self-serving to have a lay person make that pitch. I think he actually had a point.
Having been a churchgoer my whole life, I’ve heard just about every sermon on every angle of this question. Tithing is an Old Testament principle. Being a “cheerful giver” and “generous toward God” are New Testament principles. Jesus taught quite a bit about being generous, especially to the poor, and not hoarding money. In my opinion, it’s the attitude of one’s heart rather than a specific percentage that matters.
I’ve heard pastors say that the tithe should be given entirely to one’s local church. If you want to donate to other parachurch organizations (e.g., to missionaries or campus ministries) or to secular charities, that should go above and beyond the tithe. I always find that perspective self-serving. I mean, the person who wants a raise or a COLA is telling me the Bible says I should give more to this specific church?
My husband and I have always tithed or tried to come close to doing so, not because it’s a rigid rule but because we take Jesus seriously when he says “You cannot love both God and money.” But our charitable giving is spread across organizations we feel aligned with, some religious and some secular. We do give regularly to our own church because we’re members and should help pay for its support, but not the whole amount.
I see the point that you should not shortchange your own family and financial independence to give money to religious organizations. There is potential for abuse and manipulation there. In our case, it’s never come down to that choice, and we try to be extremely thoughtful about how we deploy the resources we’ve been blessed to receive.
I wasn’t thinking of giving related to religious organizations necessarily, but any giving relative to personal financial situations.
Very good, Dana. Agree with what you said. Chris
Tithing is left over from the days of established churches. It used to be a legal requirement and was often paid “in kind”. Some countries still levy a “church tax”. If you are an active church member it seems reasonable to pay something towards the operation of the church. In general, I think that what is lumped under the heading of “charity” should be the business of the state and be covered by taxes.
Your last thought struck me as interesting for a different reason, namely that in the UK I’ve been surprised to find numerous services being provided by non-profits that I would have expected to be the business of the state and be covered by taxes.
The most surprising example is the contrast between the two main services: HM Coastguard is a taxpayer-funded coordination body, but the organization that actually performs the rescues, buys and maintains the lifeboats, and provides lifeguards, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), is entirely funded by public donations. Many consider this an absurd arrangement for a vital emergency service.
Of course it’s absurd, but the RNLI has been in existence since 1824 and has a great deal of sentimental support. As long as the set up continues to work I suppose there’s no good reason to change it. One of my ancestors was a lifeboat captain, and my younger sister sends RNLI Christmas cards.
Mind you, it wouldn’t hurt to be awarded some government assistance. I donate to the RNLI.
Agreed. Also, I was wondering – what’s the situation in the Republic?
It’s the same organisation, RNLI, with the same funding model
And the UK still has an established church, although no legally-mandated tithes. Not sure which charities you are talking about, but some of them have been around for a long time.
The RNLI as Mark mentioned is a big one. Also regional air ambulance services, the river and canal trust that manages inland waterways, and the RSPCA. (Of course the US has the SPCA too, but the RSPCA not only fights against animal cruelty but actually gets directly involved investigations and prosecutions.)
Aren’t air ambulances in the US profit-making enterprises? Although I would have expected them to come under the NHS in the UK. Canals were developed by private companies, as were the railroads, and fell into disuse after the railroads took most of their business. I suppose the canal trust is analogous to the National Trust and the various small heritage railroads. Yes, it would be good if the government had the responsibility, but tradition counts for a lot.
Yes lots of US air ambulances are companies so probably not the best example.
Everything is a profit, salaries are a profit, the companies that make equipment and supplies for hospitals in the UK and everywhere are for profit. Even in the US the average net profit margin for the five top health insurance companies is 2.5% That’s less than our highly regulated utilities. Compare that with Apples profit margin in 2024 of 23.97%.
Making a profit is not the problem. In fact being non profit removes some incentives for efficiency and caring about costs.
I live in a non-profit CCRC. We just had the annual budget meeting. Believe me, management cares deeply about efficiency and costs.
That may be, but not generally the same concern as when profit and accountability is involved. I was on the BOD of four HMOs years ago. All non-profit, all burning through funds all went out of business because they were not run like a business.
That is an interesting thought you had at the end, Kathy. It reminded me of a church I went to that took 10% of what came in to use specifically for benevolent causes. Chris
I think you are confusing charitble giving with tithing. Those who believe in tithing believe they are giving back to God the first fruits of everything they receive and also believe they should do so not only in reverence for Him but also out of obidience. Traditionally, this would be to their local church where they are members, though I suppose some might stretch this definition to include other Christian organizations. Those who believe as such refer to their giving (back) as tithes and offerings with the tithe as mandatory and offerings anything over and above the tithe. In any event, any such person would view a donation to any other charitible organization, such as a hospital, as outside of their tithe and of secondary importance.
I don’t know everything, but I do run in religious circles. I’ve never once heard of a religious person getting to retirement or the end of their lives and blaming tithing for not having enough money. Have you?
It’s possible that it’s a correlation issue. I.e. the kind of person who would faithfully give 10% during their working years is also likely the kind of person who would faithfully save for retirement. It’s also possible that the biblical promise about tithing is true.
The new testament encourages being generous in giving, but makes no specific requirement.
Possibly you are right, but the issue is can a person afford both and if not, what should be the priority.
Of course, this question goes beyond facts and figures.
I’m more than happy to admit I’m an atheist, but I help out at a local church because my moral code aligns with common religious values. The minister knows this and accepts my choice without judgment.
I feel tithing is a personal choice between you and your God. Just as the church minister doesn’t judge me, I believe tithing isn’t a subject for others to offer opinions on or pass judgment about. It’s an individual’s sovereign choice and will be judged only by themselves or their chosen deity. It’s a matter of personal faith, not public scrutiny
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Mark, ITA with what you said. Beautiful. Chris
No passing judgement, but certainly opinions are valid on all sides of the subject. In any case there is a point where reality and finances are a consideration- at least that’s my opinion.
If nothing else, I admire your mettle raising the topic. Even if I had the idea I wouldn’t have touched it.
Good for you and your service to others
I think we should be very careful with both political and religious debate. I notice that Dick doesn’t mention religious organizations in the post. I have never considered gifts to secular organizations to be tithing. Having said that, I agree that a family’s needs have to be met before gifts are made.
Dan, I agree with you about being careful about what we say. I see tithing as a particularly religious thing for us, but it may not be so for others. Good point. Giving to secular organizations I would consider an offering. And I know so many of us have hearts for them and want to give to them. Chris
Not a religious debate from my point of view. As I said, virtually all religions encourage giving to others in need. I just see a practical element that each individual should consider. For example, does giving stay at a consistent level after retirement?
“does giving stay at a consistent level after retirement” I’m not exactly sure what is meant by a consistent level,10% is 10% of whatever God is blessing us with at the time.
But we also know that God does not need our money, tithing allows us to know and trust that he is it provider.
Most people cannot fathom how we get by or how we give as much as we do. We have never missed or needed the monies we give to our local church and the above the 10% that we donate to four other ministries and non profits
I like to know money given goes to a good cause and that it is specifically used to help people.
I recall being at a church in Florida. They were making a plea for donations and people were dipping into their pockets. Then a read closer and it said they were raising money for new brass doors for the church entrance. I would not give a penny. At our local church we can designate the purpose for a donation which we do. Sometimes there are second collections for a specific purpose.
Dick, I can only speak for us. Dollar wise we are giving less, but we are still tithing. I know others may do differently. C
We’re currently in qcd time, so charitable giving is a current preoccupation for us. I’ve been wondering whether there is a strict definition of tithing? Does the money have to go to a religious organization or can be secular? Also what about REALLY high local taxes. I’m not kidding – the city I live in is currently building a $27M men’s homeless shelter; staffing it will be another huge expense. There already are shelters for women and families. The city and county also provide major grants to many non profits that assist with rental assistance, family violence, addiction etc. I live in a 2000 sq ft house; I think this year’s tax will be about $20,000. Should any of this amount count as charitable giving?
If tithing is restricted to religious bodies, what about the accountability of those organizations. I’m a Catholic. I can’t say I’m proud of the way my church has spent a lot of its donations. And that doesn’t even take account of the money laundering and other abuses conducted by Vatican officials. On the other hand, Catholics Charities here does run the city’s daytime homeless shelter and one church does fund the city’s multicultural center.
Charitable giving is an interesting topic. My husband and I both have a list of organizations to which our contributions are pretty much no brainers. But this is a complex world— and I suspect the funding of a lot of charity is a more fuzzy area.
Dick, I can understand your point of view. I share a lot of it. But my spouse and I have a different mindset as Christians, that I would like you to consider too. We strongly feel that God is the Master of our lives. This includes our income. We feel He is the Owner and we are the stewards. The things you mentioned, about being out of debt, saving for retirement, educating our children, giving to St Jude, etc. we believe in those things too. It is all part of being a good steward of what we have been given.
There have been times in our married life that we didn’t have much and we still gave. It took us awhile to work our way to a full tithe. We always met our bills, we always had food on our table. We always had everything we needed. No, we didn’t have all of our wants, I will be honest about that, and sometimes it was hard. But we persevered and didn’t give up. I don’t know if you can understand what I am saying, but I hope so. Managing our income this way has greatly blessed us in the end. No, we don’t have what others have, but we have enough and it is ok to us. Chris
Different views are always welcome. I can appreciate your point of view even if I don’t understand it.
All major religions encourage or even require giving to others. That is what caring people do.
My point is giving must fit into the financial ability of a family. Some families cannot give 10% or maybe anything and if they are religious I don’t think they should feel pressured. Those who can’t help financially may give their time to a cause.
Yes, giving your time and talent is certainly part of tithing, I agree with you. I also know from our life that God honored even when we couldn’t give the whole 10%. C
Tithing, as I know it, is something that Christians are encouraged to take part in.
Tithing is not about making donations to help others, although that may be a secondary result of the gift.
Tithing is not about budgetting limited resources so as to result in the highest net worth, or most efficient cash flow.
Tithing is about prioritization. Putting our primary attention first to God, as we believe he is the one who provides all things that we have. It is a way of saying thanks to our creator, and trusting that all things come from him, and that he will provide all we need (and that is primarily not about money or things we consume) no matter what our position in life is.
God does not need our money and it is impossible to give it anyway. God wants our good behavior, concern for others and good works. Giving to a church has nothing to do with that in my opinion.
I just wrote a check to our church and it is designated for “grounds and maintenance.” The necessities and reality of running a church.