Bible Question: If I tithe ten percent, do I tithe on the gross or the net? |
Bible Answer: teeboyman, hello. Actually the phrase "tithe ten per cent" is redundant. Here's why: Our English word "tithe" has its etymology in the Old English word "teogatha" which became "tithen" in Middle English, and both mean "tenth." So therefore any variance from a tenth is not tithing at all. But now, you ask whether this tithe should come off the top, i.e., be reckoned on the basis of one's gross income before taxation, or on the net income. One could take the view that only the "take-home" pay is to be considered, because he never comes into possession of the gross. On the other hand, one could argue that the tithe should be reckoned on the gross income, because the taxpayer does receive for his taxes certain benefits, e.g., military and police protection, roads, parks, and a number of other governmental services, and thus taxes should not be exempt from the tithe. In any event, I believe that the decision about tithing, as with any other major decision in our lives, should not be made haphazardly or arbitrarily, but should come after careful thought and much prayer. --Hank |