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Nowhere in section 119 is the law of consecration rescinded, nor will the law of tithing be rescinded.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.)