By JOHN MARTIGNONI
Q: What does the Catholic Church teach in regards to tithing. Are we required to tithe?
A: The word “tithe,” refers to a religious offering of 10% of one’s income to Church and/or charity. In the Old Testament, we see tithing mentioned, I believe for the first time, when Abraham gave one tenth of his spoils from a successful military campaign to Melchizedek (Gen 14:20). Jacob made a vow of tithing to the Lord in Genesis 28:20-22. Tithing was even written into the Mosaic Law, as we see in Numbers 18:21-24.
In the New Testament, though, there is no specific mention of Christians giving a tithe and the Church has not, to my knowledge, ever formally required tithing along the lines of what was done in Old Testament times.
The people of God are, however, required to give of their resources to support Church and charity. One of the five precepts of the Church, as found in Canon Law #222, is this: “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.” In the Catechism, #2041-43, it summarizes this precept and adds that each is to give “according to his abilities.”
Also, the New Testament speaks of feeding the hungry and clothing the naked (Matt 25:31-46); supporting one’s family and relatives (1 Tim 5:8); selling homes and property to give to the needy (Acts 4:34-35); and mentions the practice of Christians setting aside a contribution on the first day of every week (Sunday).
So, neither the New Testament, nor the Catechism, nor Canon Law, specifically mention tithing when it comes to the support of the Church and of apostolic works and works of charity, but giving to Church and charity is indeed a necessary part of every Christian’s walk.
But, even though there is no “requirement” to tithe put on God’s people as there was in the Old Testament, there are nonetheless strong recommendations for the practice of tithing. Msgr. Martin Muller of Our Lady of Sorrows parish in Homewood each year tells his parishioners that the U.S. Bishop’s Conference recommends giving 5% to the Church and 5% to charity (which would include Church-sponsored charities such as Catholic Charities and Catholic schools). He also says something that I know a lot of people who tithe agree with, which is: “I can’t afford not to tithe, because of the blessings that God has given me through tithing.”
Monsignor’s words reflect the fulfillment of a promise made by God in Scripture. In Malachi 3:6-12, God tells the Israelites that if they will bring the full tithes into the storehouse, then He will “open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you an overflowing blessing.” And He doesn’t just tell them to do this, He says to them, “Put Me to the test!” Monsignor Muller, and many others who tithe, have indeed experienced that overflowing blessing.
Whenever anyone asks me about tithing, I recommend it as strongly as I can. But, let’s say you gave just 2% of your income last year to Church and charity and maybe you’re thinking that jumping up to 10% just can’t be done. I recommend finding ways to sacrifice here and there so that you can double your giving to 4% this year, then double it again next year, and then moving to the full 10% the following year. That way it gives you time to plan your budget around your tithe.
And, if you get to the 10% level, and God does not follow through on His promise of pouring down upon you an overflowing blessing, well, then stop tithing. But, I have yet to meet anyone who put God to the test on this, and wound up being disappointed.
Q: What does the Catholic Church teach in regards to tithing. Are we required to tithe?
A: The word “tithe,” refers to a religious offering of 10% of one’s income to Church and/or charity. In the Old Testament, we see tithing mentioned, I believe for the first time, when Abraham gave one tenth of his spoils from a successful military campaign to Melchizedek (Gen 14:20). Jacob made a vow of tithing to the Lord in Genesis 28:20-22. Tithing was even written into the Mosaic Law, as we see in Numbers 18:21-24.
In the New Testament, though, there is no specific mention of Christians giving a tithe and the Church has not, to my knowledge, ever formally required tithing along the lines of what was done in Old Testament times.
The people of God are, however, required to give of their resources to support Church and charity. One of the five precepts of the Church, as found in Canon Law #222, is this: “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.” In the Catechism, #2041-43, it summarizes this precept and adds that each is to give “according to his abilities.”
Also, the New Testament speaks of feeding the hungry and clothing the naked (Matt 25:31-46); supporting one’s family and relatives (1 Tim 5:8); selling homes and property to give to the needy (Acts 4:34-35); and mentions the practice of Christians setting aside a contribution on the first day of every week (Sunday).
So, neither the New Testament, nor the Catechism, nor Canon Law, specifically mention tithing when it comes to the support of the Church and of apostolic works and works of charity, but giving to Church and charity is indeed a necessary part of every Christian’s walk.
But, even though there is no “requirement” to tithe put on God’s people as there was in the Old Testament, there are nonetheless strong recommendations for the practice of tithing. Msgr. Martin Muller of Our Lady of Sorrows parish in Homewood each year tells his parishioners that the U.S. Bishop’s Conference recommends giving 5% to the Church and 5% to charity (which would include Church-sponsored charities such as Catholic Charities and Catholic schools). He also says something that I know a lot of people who tithe agree with, which is: “I can’t afford not to tithe, because of the blessings that God has given me through tithing.”
Monsignor’s words reflect the fulfillment of a promise made by God in Scripture. In Malachi 3:6-12, God tells the Israelites that if they will bring the full tithes into the storehouse, then He will “open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you an overflowing blessing.” And He doesn’t just tell them to do this, He says to them, “Put Me to the test!” Monsignor Muller, and many others who tithe, have indeed experienced that overflowing blessing.
Whenever anyone asks me about tithing, I recommend it as strongly as I can. But, let’s say you gave just 2% of your income last year to Church and charity and maybe you’re thinking that jumping up to 10% just can’t be done. I recommend finding ways to sacrifice here and there so that you can double your giving to 4% this year, then double it again next year, and then moving to the full 10% the following year. That way it gives you time to plan your budget around your tithe.
And, if you get to the 10% level, and God does not follow through on His promise of pouring down upon you an overflowing blessing, well, then stop tithing. But, I have yet to meet anyone who put God to the test on this, and wound up being disappointed.
About John Martignoni
John Martignoni is the Director of the Office of Evangelization for the Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama and also the President of the Bible Christian Society. John's column, Apologetics 101, appears regularly in the diocesan newspaper, the One Voice. If you have a question about the Catholic Faith, please send an email to: jmartignoni@bhmdiocese.org. And check out John's free audio and written apologetics materials at: www.biblechristiansociety.com.
John Martignoni is the Director of the Office of Evangelization for the Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama and also the President of the Bible Christian Society. John's column, Apologetics 101, appears regularly in the diocesan newspaper, the One Voice. If you have a question about the Catholic Faith, please send an email to: jmartignoni@bhmdiocese.org. And check out John's free audio and written apologetics materials at: www.biblechristiansociety.com.
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