Tithing: Love God, love your neighbor
The contemporary biblical idea of tithing (we are no longer an isolated ancient agricultural society) has to do with helping brothers and sisters all over the world who cannot help themselves, i.e., the poor and the homeless. All who believe in God, believe in two universal commandments: love God and love your neighbor.
It is in keeping with these two commandments that we tithe 10 percent of our gross earnings annually.
That does not mean that you must tithe only through your place of worship. You will have fulfilled your obligation by sending your money to institutions and foundations which faithfully use your money solely to help the needy wherever they may be found.
Whether you tithe or not, is a matter between you and God. Tithing has nothing to do with aggrandizing or re-building worship space.
Monica L. Zabor
Arlington Heights