Tithing is a fundamental practice within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This practice involves donating ten percent of one’s income to the church, and it is seen as both a commandment and a spiritual discipline. It is one of the sources of Mormon Church wealth. The origins of tithing in the LDS Church can be traced back to early biblical teachings and the revelations received by the prophet Joseph Smith, the church’s founder. This blog will explore the historical background, doctrinal foundations, practical implementation, and spiritual significance of tithing in the Mormon Church.
Historical Background
Tithing has its roots in ancient scripture, with early references found in the Bible. In the Old Testament, Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek (Genesis 14:20), which is reaffirmed by the Book of Mormon in Alma 13:15. Additionally, the Israelites were commanded to give a tenth of their produce and livestock to support the Levites and the temple (Leviticus 27:30-32; Numbers 18:21-24). Tithing was a practice that was intended to provide for religious functions and the needs of the poor.
In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, tithing was formally introduced in the early 19th century. Joseph Smith received a revelation in 1838 that outlined the law of tithing, which can be found in Doctrine and Covenants 119. This revelation came during a period of difficulty for Mormon Church finances. Kirtland had been a place of great spiritual growth, but also of great economic hardship. Church leaders had gone into debt to build the Kirtland Temple, and then tried to establish the Kirtland Safety Society to help the church reduce its debt. This failed. Joseph Smith moved to Missouri and prayed to the Lord about how to support the church’s members and build another temple. He received D&C 119 which established tithing as a means to care for the poor and purchase property. From that point forward, tithing became a key component of LDS doctrine and practice.
Doctrinal Foundations
Doctrine and Covenants 119:4-5 states: “And after that, those who have thus been tithed shall pay one-tenth of all their interest annually; and this shall be a standing law unto them forever, for my holy priesthood, saith the Lord.” This scriptural mandate underscores the perpetual nature of tithing and its importance in the lives of church members.
Tithing in the LDS Church is viewed as a divine commandment, similar to those given in ancient scripture. It is considered a law of obedience and a test of faithfulness. Members believe that paying tithing brings spiritual blessings and temporal benefits, including helping Mormon financial security. The principle is grounded in the belief that everything a person possesses is given by God, and returning one-tenth is an act of gratitude and recognition of His sovereignty.
Practical Implementation
In practical terms, tithing is calculated based on one’s income. The definition of income is left to the discretion of the individual, allowing for personal interpretation and decision-making. Generally, members are encouraged to pay tithing on their gross income, but specific circumstances can influence this decision.
Tithing is typically paid through the church’s financial system, which has become increasingly streamlined with technology. Members can pay their tithes online, via mobile apps, or by submitting a physical tithing slip and envelope, with their contribution inside, to local church leaders. The funds collected are then used to support various Mormon Church Financial activities, including caring for the poor and needy, building and maintaining temples and meetinghouses, funding missionary work, educational programs, humanitarian aid, and other church operations.
Spiritual Significance
The spiritual significance of tithing in the LDS Church can be seen in the fact that it is one of the standards that members have to affirm they obey before receiving a temple recommend. A temple recommend allows members to go to the temple and make covenants with God, or act as proxies for deceased people to make covenants with God. Tithing is also viewed as a means of sanctification, helping individuals develop a greater sense of discipline, sacrifice, and generosity.
Beyond individual spirituality, tithing plays a crucial role in fostering a sense of community and mutual support within the LDS Church. The funds collected through tithing are used to care for the poor and needy, support educational endeavors, and build places of worship where members can gather and grow in their faith. This communal aspect of tithing reinforces the idea that all members have a collective responsibility and stewardship for LDS finances.
One of the core beliefs associated with tithing is the promise of blessings. Malachi 3:10 is often cited in this context: “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” Many members testify of the temporal and spiritual blessings they receive as a result of their faithful tithing.
Personal Testimonies
Personal testimonies about the impact of tithing are common among LDS Church members. These stories often highlight experiences of financial miracles, unexpected opportunities, and spiritual growth resulting from faithful tithing. Such testimonies serve to strengthen the faith of the community and encourage others to live this principle.
For example, many members recount stories of paying their tithing despite tight budgets and subsequently experiencing unforeseen financial aid or job opportunities. These accounts are seen as tangible evidence of the blessings promised in the scriptures and reinforce the importance of obedience to the law of tithing.
The current president and prophet of the church, Russell M. Nelson shared this story about paying his tithing in a recent General Conference talk. “When I was a young intern, my income was $15 a month. One night, my wife Dantzel asked if I was paying tithing on that meager stipend. I was not. I quickly repented and began paying the additional $1.50 in monthly tithing.
Was the Church any different because we increased our tithing? Of course not. However, becoming a full-tithe payer changed me. That is when I learned that paying tithing is all about faith, not money. As I became a full-tithe payer, the windows of heaven began to open for me. I attribute several subsequent professional opportunities to our faithful payment of tithes.20
Paying tithing requires faith, and it also builds faith in God and His Beloved Son.”
Conclusion
Tithing is a foundational practice in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, rooted in ancient scripture and modern revelation. It serves as a means of supporting the Mormon finances, church’s operations, fostering community, and demonstrating faithfulness to God’s commandments. Despite the challenges it may present, tithing is embraced by many as a source of spiritual strength and temporal blessings. Through the faithful observance of this principle, members of the LDS Church express their devotion to God and contribute to the building up of His kingdom on earth.
By Todd Noall, Source Expert
Todd Noall is an author and religious scholar at Mormonism Explained with a focus on the history and theology of religion.
Fact Checked by Mr. Kevin Prince, Source Expert
Kevin Prince is a religious scholar and host of the Gospel Learning Youtube channel. His channel has garnered over 41,000 subscribers and accumulated over 4.5 million views. Mr. Prince also created the Gospel Learning App, a reliable platform where individuals seeking truth can access trustworthy answers to religious questions from top educators worldwide.
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