by Gary C. Gibson

Created on: October 25, 2009   Last Updated: December 10, 2009

Tithing is commonly misunderstood in the United States. It is said to be one-tenth of the income, yet what is unsaid is what was supposed to be done with that income. It was to be brought to a house of the Lord every year and consumed as a feast of celebration in honor of the Lord by the people that produced it. Every third year the tithe was to be given to a storehouse for widows, orphans and Levite Priests who were serving the Lord and non-productive at material produce. The point is thus plain enough-regular priests were to get about 1% of church goers income, averaged over three years. They had to share the once in every three years contribution to the storehouse by individuals with two other groups of non-producing people. Today hierarchical Priests commonly want ten percent of every church goers income every year-a nominal overcharging of 3000%...an understandable error. Hierarchical priests neither work to build an egalitarian priesthood of believers nor follow the scripture regarding tithing but prefer to remain upper class Christians enfeofed for life.

Tithing should be made from what income is your harvest to do with as you choose. Tax evasion is not one of those. The tax-woman's portion is like that owed to a slave owner-do not cheat them or they will chastiseth thee. Enjoy your ten percent to spend on a celebration for you and your family before the Lord in some appropriate place worthy of God, and be thankful and give thanks unto the Lord for the harvest.

If you are broke all of the time then spend what you can each time you have a few dollars or yuan in celebration giving thanks unto God at some spiritually worthy place or situation. Remember to give some produce/cash to the Salvation Army kettle now and then as is possible. If you can find a priesthood of believers congregation join it as an egalitarian and equal Christian member-priest sharing liturgical and other churchy details. Give one percent for church supplies and building costs. Try to have a credit bank to help church members and let none be poor if possible.

Here is a web-page in which an individual has summarized such points, although he calls it a 'party' that was to be thrown with the tithe two out of three years. http://cnview.com/on_line_resources/truth_about_tith ing.htm

Deuteronomy 14:22-23 (King James Version)

" 22Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year.

23And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he

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