Tithing
From MormonWikia
Mormons pay tithing, which is 10% of their earnings, to support the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Paying tithing is a requirement for having a Temple Recommend, which allows members of the Church to enter the temple. It is a way to prove that members of the Church are willing to sacrifice as commanded by God. It is also an acknowledgement that God gives us all that we have and requires of us only a portion to help build up His kingdom. The principle of tithing is ancient. Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek, as recorded in the Book of Mormon:
- And it was this same Melchizedek to whom Abraham paid tithes; yea, even our father Abraham paid tithes of one-tenth part of all he possessed (Alma 13:15).
Tithing can be calculated as 10% of either net or gross earnings, depending on what each member considers his or her “increase” or income. Tithing isn’t taken out of paychecks like taxes, it is willingly given by members to a member of the bishopric, who then has it recorded and deposits the check to a Church bank account. These offerings are private. Members of the congregation have no knowledge of the amount of money donated by others. At the end of each year, the bishop meets with the members of his ward as families to have “tithing settlement,” which gives the members the opportunity to declare themselves full tithe payers.
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[edit] Video: Elder Daniel L. Johnson Addresses Tithing, General Conference
[edit] Why Pay Tithing?
Faithful Mormons pay this ten percent tithing believing in the scripture (in both the Bible and the Book of Mormon) that says, “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” (Malachi 3:10, 3 Nephi 24:10). Mormons believe that the blessings received by paying tithing are worth much more than ten percent of all of their earnings.
There are many stories of members making the choice to pay tithing, even though it didn't seem like they could part with the money. They tell stories of blessings received from the Lord, financial windfalls that have helped them meet their challenges. But the blessings of paying tithing are not only financial. God has said in the Doctrine and Covenants that those who pay a full tithing will not be burned in the Second Coming of Christ, when the earth is burned to purify it and prepare it for Christ. It is a way to show righteousness and faith that the Lord keeps his promises.
[edit] Where Does Tithing Go?
Tithing money is used for many projects of the Church. One of the main projects is building meetinghouses and temples all over the world that allow members to meet together and receive ordinances. The Church also needs money for basic operating expenses like keeping up the buildings, paying for electricity, etc. Tithing funds go to help the missionary program, so that missionaries can go around the world to teach the gospel (they also help pay for their expenses). Tithing also goes toward preparing the teaching materials used in church meetings, classes, and activities. It helps to fund the Church’s genealogy resources and temple work. It also helps to fund the educational institutions and programs of the Church.
[edit] Other Offerings
Members of the Mormon Church are also asked to fast monthly and give the money they would have used on those meals to the Church to help the poor. There are many options to donate to other causes of the Church along with tithing, including helping support the missionaries, funding the production of copies of the Book of Mormon, and donating to the Perpetual Education Fund to help financially challenged students receive educations. The Chuch also participates in many Humanitarian Aid programs around the world, funding by the donations of the members of the Church.
