Is it still appropriate to give tithes and to whom?

In Jewish tradition, tithing is not customary. Everyone gives as he can and wants and wherever he wants. It is merely a law, a mitzvah, to give, share and help others at all. When we talk about “tithing” in Judaism, we primarily think of a minyan, i.e. the number of those who have to come together to dawen (pray).

In Islam there is also no “tithe” as a rule for giving part of one's income. You should help others. How and with what means ultimately depends on each individual situation.

Where does the “tithe” come from in Christianity as a regulation for giving to the communities? Well, the tenth verse of Malachi 3 is often quoted in this regard, which says: "Bring the tithe all into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house, and try me thereby, says the Lord of hosts, whether I do not give you "I will open the windows of heaven and shower you with blessings in abundance!" Jeremiah 29:11 is often added to this: "For I know what plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and hope ." Even in ancient Israel, tithing was given, as Joshua 6:19 says: "Every item of silver, gold, copper, or iron is dedicated to the Lord and must be brought into his treasury." or even more clearly in Leviticus 27:30-34: "A tenth part of every harvest of grain and fruit is set apart as a holy tribute to me, the Lord.However, if someone wants to buy back a tenth of their income, they must add another fifth at the set price. Every tenth animal of the cattle, sheep and goats also belongs to me and is therefore considered sacred. When the animals are counted, the shepherd must not let them pass by in such a way that only the weak ones are selected. He is also not allowed to exchange a healthy person for a sick one. Otherwise both animals will irrevocably fall to me, the Lord." And even Yeshua said to rabbis of his time in Matthew 23:23: "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees! You hypocrites! You even give a tenth of culinary herbs such as mint, dill and caraway to God. But you are indifferent to the much more important demands of God for justice, mercy and faithfulness. But that's exactly what it's about here: doing the essential things and not neglecting the other things." There, tithing is not declared to be unimportant, but rather the small-mindedness with which the tithe was given and also how other things were not taken into account.

So what does that mean for us? Quite simply: Abraham already gave his tithe after winning a battle. So the commandment does not apply to Christians alone, but to all Abrahamic religions. All those who live in covenant with the Creator, with whom Abraham (not Abram - the "young" Abraham) also lived, should give at least the tenth part of all income (gross) to a community that serves the word of the Creator. Of course, you prefer the community that supports you. There are many books, lectures, treatises and opinions on the subject. But one cannot escape the written word if at the same time one wants to live in covenant with the Eternal. And it should be said: Tithing is not the same as the commandment to help others. That's another one. We must do our part, in this case tithing, so that the Eternal can do his part, as promised, which is to bless us with abundance so that we can be a blessing to others. Always after one comes two!

So I cannot reduce my tithe by the part for which I have already donated to a relief organization somewhere or even maintain sponsorships entirely with my tithe. That is distant. The tithe serves to build and maintain the community, which is committed to the word and the covenant of the Creator with people. Very practical! Also that communities can help others. It's not about making a pastor, a priest or even a religious community rich. It's about the blessings that can be passed on. At any time. Donations to aid organizations or other forms of assistance have nothing to do with tithing. These are really benefits and amounts that are additionally deducted from the total income and, when measured correctly, do not hurt anyone. You don't always have to give money to help. Sometimes it helps my colleague at work if I keep my cheeky mouth shut again. I don't have to lead a mission in Africa. Help begins with considerate behavior towards others. Very practical!

If the Eternal One still wants me to lead a mission anywhere in the world, He will provide and show me ways and means! Unfortunately, many missions are designed to recruit members and force my personal, or a specifically religious, ideology onto strangers. It was probably never intended that way. However, that is a different topic.