sherilo:
Hello everyone,
I know that a tithe is 10% of one’s income. Is that 10% of the gross, or 10% of the net after payroll deducted health insurance, and taxes? Does anyone know the answer to this?
Thanks,
Sherilo
From a Mosaic Law point of view, which is that in which the tithe was to support the Levitical priesthood (but it was certainly not new with that priesthood), I think that since there were no such taxes paid to the civil government, then it’s not a straight comparison from back then to our culture today. At least, I can’t think of any taxes paid to the OT civil government.
I’ve also had to ask myself this question.
I came to the conclusion, and I think it’s reasonable, that since the tithe is to be on one’s “increase” (ie. your financial or agricultural type increase) in assets, and since we don’t actually “see” that money that’s taken out for taxes, then it’s not an “increase” to us, strictly speaking.
You might think about “Social Security,” but Lord willing, you will give to the Church when you’re old and collect that money. So I don’t think it’s necessary to “tithe” on it twice. I just realized, your own personal retirement plan might play into that in some way. Hmmmm… No need to complicate the matter too much though!
So, if you’re committed to tithing, I think you can safely tithe based on your net pay. Go ahead and feel free to do it based on the gross, I’m sure God would bless you for it, but I for one don’t feel pressured to.