Lesson 17 - The Law of Tithing and the Law of the Fast

The word tithing seems a pretty straightforward thing. Tithing actually means one tenth--so clearly it means and has always meant that we give one tenth of all we have to the church.

Almost.

Joseph did not assume that to tithe meant to give one tenth when in July 1838 he asked, "O Lord! Show unto they servants how much thou requirest of the properties of thy people for a tithing." (Intro to 119.) If he knew, why would he ask?

Let's look at the OED (Oxford English Dictionary) definition:

Tithe (adj. and n.) - The tenth part of the annual produce of agriculture, etc., being a due payment (originally in kind) for the support of the priesthood, religious establishments, etc.; spec. applied to that ordained by the Mosaic law and to that introduced in conformity therewith in England and other Christian lands. Also, in recent use, in certain religious denominations: a tenth part of an individual's income which is pledged to the church.

Though the source of the word is the Hebrew bible and other literary examples stem from the 9th century, the definition reminds us that applications and definitions can change over time. "In recent use...certain religious denominations" apply a literal definition of tithing as "a tenth part of an individual's income."

Prior to 8 July 1838, early LDS church members did not define tithing as one tenth. They probably defined as others within their religious landscape defined it--as a general church offering rather than a specific percentage. In 1837 amidst a US economic depression (it would last for five years), the church was struggling financially. Kirtland Bishop Newel K. Whitney and his counselors invoked Malachi and suggested the Saints tithe and bring their surplus to the bishop's storehouse. That winter, Missouri Bishop Edward Partridge and his counselors more specifically "recommend[ed] that the Saints be tithed two percent annually after paying their debts." (See Steve Harper Making Sense of the Doctrine and Covenants, 440-443.) Both of these suggestions led to Joseph's question and the Lord's response recorded in section 119.

Prior to 8 July 1838, the Saints in the 1830s did not interpret tithing to mean one tenth, but a general church offering tied to the law of consecration. (Specifically sections 64 and 97.)

Nowhere in section 119 is the law of consecration rescinded, nor will the law of tithing be rescinded. If you need a reminder of that go here. As verse 6 states, "this shall be a standing law unto them forever."

Read Elder Oaks's April 1994 General Conference address on "Tithing" here with some good historical examples. Likewise, Elder Hales's October 2002 address here is particularly significant considering his (at that time) 17 year involvement on the Council on the Disposition of Tithes (established by revelation in section 120).

The lesson also addresses the law of the fast and fast offerings. Section 59 equates fasting with rejoicing and sets up fasting as a conduit to a fulness of joy. Does it work that way for us?

Fast offerings are a critical part of our monthly fast. Read President Kimball quotes if you need a brusque reminder to a) do it and b) not be stingy. (Here you can watch him.)

Lesson 16 - "Thou Shalt Offer Up Thy Sacraments on My Holy Day"

This week we will focus on section 59, but I don't think you can understand 59 without 57 & 58. After Joseph and a few Saints began to arrive in Zion in 1831, the Lord revealed what he expects of the Saints if they are to establish Zion. Church, commandments, and the sabbath day all have critical roles in establishing Zion.

Here is President Kimball's take on the Sabbath--he calls it a delight. Do we? Here Elder Holland (as President of BYU) importantly discusses Souls, Symbols, and Sacraments--still the best thing I've ever read on the commandment of chastity but also broadening our understanding of sacraments. Both talks attempt to give the why behind commandments. Why is always more powerful than just don't do it.

Newel Knight was called to lead the Colesville Saints. After leaving Thompson, Ohio they move to Kaw Township--just outside Independence, Missouri. Newel's mother, Polly (his father was Joseph Knight, Sr.), was very ill as they traveled to Missouri. For a time she was so sick that Newel bought lumber to build her coffin, but she wanted to make it through the journey and stand in Zion. She made it there and Joseph received Section 59 the ay of her funeral. Newel Knight's autobiography here talks about some of his initial experiences in Missouri. (And some interesting issues with his aunt. Skip down to the middle of chapter VI and chapter VII.)

Here Bill Hartley looks at this history of LDS church meetings in a great 1978 article. Though this was written before the current consolidated schedule became standard, it offers good context and a good historical outline. At the end of the article he writes about places that were testing early forms of consolidated church before the change occurred in 1980. This Ensign began with President Kimball's article and was entirely devoted to the Sabbath.

Luke gives us the account of Jesus and the Pharisees discussing healing on the sabbath day. Jesus asks the Pharisees "Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fallen into a pit, and will not straightway pull him out on the sabbath day?" (Note the ox is not in a mire--it is a pit.) Expediency justifies such actions; I just have to ask myself...did I push the ox into the pit?

Lesson 15 - "Seek Ye Earnestly the Best Gifts"

Please read Doctrine & Covenants section 46 and look at 1 Corinthians 12-13 (I think 11 and 14* also have some significant insight into what gifts might be most desired), and Moroni 10. All of these lists are suggestive, we need not think them exhaustive. What other gifts of the Spirit might you add to the list? Everyone is promised at least one gift at a minimum. What gift or gifts do you have? Patriarchal blessings likewise help us think about the gifts we have.

We will definitely discuss Elder Holland's most recent conference talk--particularly regarding knowing and believing (D&C 46:13-14). If you haven't heard it--really, even if you have--listen to it here. Thanks to my sister, I'm adding Elder Marvin J. Ashton's "There Are Many Gifts" here. It is fantastic. I also like then Elder Eyring's CES Fireside "Gifts of the Spirit for Hard Times" here. Or President Faust's BYU Devotional on Patriarchal blessings here.

Look at context of section 46 in an article by Matthew McBride - "Religious Enthusiasm Among Early Ohio Converts" here. The understanding and definitions of gifts of the Spirit is not static. Things change over time. Eighteen year old recent convert, Lucy Thompson Lisk, writes of manifestations of the Spirit that she experienced around the time of her baptism here. Jonathan Stapley writes about some more charismatic examples of gifts of the Spirit in the 1830s and 1840s here.

*A note on Paul's writings on gifts of the spirit and gender. Many are confused by 14:34 - "Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak"....verse 35 continues "It is a shame for women to speak in the church." This clearly does not align with chapter 11 which talks about women praying and prophesying in church only limiting them by saying that women should cover their heads as they pray and prophesy. None of the gifts of the Spirit are limited by gender. Paul also positively mentions several female teachers in Romans 16 and Chloe and the beginning of 1 Corinthians. This limitation for women in church at the end of chapter 14 seems problematic. Textually it is a later insertion. Most New Testament scholars today believe this is because it does not fit and Paul probably didn't write it. So I say ignore it.