"Tithing" comes from the Old English word for "tenth." At its simplest, tithing means giving one-tenth (or 10%) of your earnings to God or the church. Throughout history, religions have practiced some form of tithing or giving as an expression of faith and devotion.

But not all religious people believe in paying tithing. Is it possible to have a strong relationship with God and not give to the church?

Why People Pay Tithing

While the act of tithing might be common across many religions, the reasons or beliefs behind why followers should give may vary from one religion to another. Here are some of the most common reasons worshippers pay tithing.

Show Gratitude

For many people, giving to their church is a direct way of saying "thank you" for all the blessings they've received. They see their possessions and income not as their own but as something God has temporarily shared with them. This perspective implies a deep humility and recognition that everything they have is, in a way, on loan from a higher power.

Support the Community

Some religions teach that when you give money through tithing to your church or mosque, you're doing more than just supporting a religious institution. That money plays an important role in helping the community. It goes toward the upkeep of the place of worship and pays the salaries of religious leaders who offer spiritual guidance. Moreover, a significant part of these funds powers community programs, from soup kitchens to educational events.

Test Faith

Some see tithing as a test from the Almighty – a way for believers to prove and strengthen their trust in God. The idea is that by giving away your money, you trust a higher power to take care of your needs, no matter how difficult things may be.

Why People Are Against Paying Tithing

Not everyone believes paying tithing will strengthen their relationship with a deity. Here are the most common reasons that people choose not to tithe.

Prioritize Relationships Over Rituals

If someone gives less than 10% but does so with selfless intentions, are their offerings less than in the eyes of God? Many people would say no!

Some think that God values the state of your heart over ritualistic practices. In other words, a person can feel a deep connection with God without giving a tenth of their earnings. On the other hand, just because someone goes through the motions of paying a full tithing doesn't mean they do so in good faith.

Fear Exploitation

There have been cases where religious leaders misuse tithing funds for personal gain or pressure their followers to give more, leading to feelings of betrayal. This abuse of power has made some people hesitant about giving, as they want to ensure their donations are used responsibly.

Give in Different Ways

Some feel that giving isn't just about donating money. They prefer to offer their time, skills, or other resources to support their community or express their devotion to God. This can create a deeper personal connection and sometimes be even more impactful than giving cash.

Examples include volunteering at a soup kitchen, offering free tutoring, donating used items, or using your construction skills to build community facilities. The main idea is that everyone has something unique to offer, and these non-monetary contributions can make a significant difference.

Paying tithing or not is a deeply personal choice. While many find tithing to be a key component of their faith journey, others believe that their relationship with God transcends monetary offerings. What's most important is the intention behind your actions. Whether you tithe or choose another way to express your faith, having a genuine heart is what truly counts.