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Summarized by Mike Nielsen
Tithing And Collections Among Religions Compared
Omaha NE World-Herald 23Apr00 N1
By Julia McCord: World-Herald Staff Writer
OMAHA, NEBRASKA -- Factors that affect peoples' donations to churches
are examined at length in this article. Describing sociological
research on the subject, the article emphasizes protestant and
Catholic contribution patterns. In this regard, most churches rely on
annual appeals and pledges as well as weekly envelopes to raise money.
Although Americans aim 63% of their philanthropic contributions to
churches, the percent of Americans' income donated in general fell
from 3.1% in 1968 to 2.6% in 1997. Protestants' rates of giving range
from about 2 to 3%, and Catholics average less than that.
Higher rates are shown by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints, the Assemblies of God and the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
According to the article, 30 to 45% of Mormons contribute 10% tithes.
Theological reasons for giving also are discussed. The article
mentions that Mormons view tithing as a commandment, and very briefly
describes the yearly tithing settlement process.
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