Kleptomaniac

Understanding Tithing Starts With a Definition

When I started writing this book, my first step was to figure out what the word tithe meant from an orthodox Hebraic perspective. People get confused about tithing because they have a limited understanding of how the practice of tithing worked in the Bible. A lack of understanding leads many people to never embark on a word study exercise to empirically define the word tithe because they rely on others in the pulpit to define what scripture means without personal study. You can't present a theological position or argument without defining the word with an empirical definition. I cringe when I hear tithing statements such as, tithing is not just money; it's your time or talent. I have to constantly say that these definitions have no association with the form, fit and function of the tithe. Donating your money, time and talent to your church is a function of charity. Not only did I examine biblical definitions, I also consulted with Jewish experts on the matter. Many of them know the tithe is not money, but seemed puzzled why Christians conclude out of context that a tithe is money. Because Christianity has its beginnings in Judaism and Hebraic traditions, you must seek wisdom from expert Jewish scholars to help in defining the term tithe.