Tithing, Part Two

     Under the Levitical Code, there were strict guidelines for tithing.  Ten percent of one's income, but also of one's possessions, were included.  This included crops, animals, fabrics, etc.  The ultra-observant Pharisees carried their tithing to what we would consider to be extremes.

"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone." Matthew 23:23

     As with anything with which humans are associated, some people really didn't get into the spirit of the practice.  Ten percent became almost a ceiling for which many were probably relieved.  Whew!  I'm glad it wasn't eleven!

     Those modern Christians who argue over whether or not the tithe should be on gross or net income are falling into the same legalistic trap as the ancient Pharisees.  What they're really arguing about is how little they can get away with giving.