Christian History: Do you know the truth about when "tithes" and "clergy/laity" distinction began?

Question

"I agree. It is time to speak out. Tithing has become a fundraiser like indulgences were in the days of Martin Luther." http://www.tekoapublishing.com/books/tithing/index.html
"Historians usually agree that, not until A.D. 567, five hundred and thirty seven (537) years after Calvary, did the Church’s first substantial attempt to enforce tithing under its own authority appear in history! The Council of Tours in 567 and the Council of Macon in 585 enacted regional church decrees for tithing and excommunication of non-tithers, but did not receive authority from the king to enforce collection through civil decrees. It is significant that tithing did not emerge historically until the church became powerful in the secular realm. Eventually, the Roman Church even refused to administer last rites if it was not given wealth or land in wills."
From: http://home.earthlink.net/~russkellyphd/id15.html Secular History of When The Tithe Began
Were you aware of these facts? If not, your thoughts?

Tithers: Explain to me how the New Testament church got it wrong and how Jesus and his disciples ministries and those which followed not only thrived and survived without tithes for the first 537 years after Calvary up until the time the Roman Catholic church started this practice to support their "clergy" which made the class distinction between the people like the Nicolaitans did. (Research history and definitions on the words clergy and laity.) Why aren't Protestants aware of these facts?

Answer 1

I agree. Tithing is not a Christian tradition. It is not practiced by the indigenous Christians of Russia, Eastern Europe, Greece, the Middle East, Mesopotapia, India, or North Africa. It is only in denominations descended from the 6th century Roman Catholic Church that tithing is practiced.

Answer 2

Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek long before the church, as we know it, ever existed. Tithing was instituted during the period of the law to support the priesthood and to take care of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. The New Testament church pays it's bills with the tithes and offerings of the members. The church doesn't get a free ride from the power companies, gas companies or when something needs to be fixed. Our church pays the same rate on power as any profitable commercial business, and we are non-profit. It's amazing that people are willing to pay great sums of money on entertainment and gripe about tithing.

Answer 3

Very interesting discussion. Good question. Personally I give tithes because I believe that Abraham is the father of my faith. Jesus said that Abraham looked forward to His day on the earth and rejoiced over it. Abraham began tithing by honoring Melchizedek with his tithe. I believe that this Melchizedek episode was what is known by theologians as a theophany (i.e. an appearance of Jesus, the Second Person of the Trinity, before His earthly birth as a human.) So I continue this tradition started by the founder of my faith in God, Abraham.
If I never heard another mention or sermon about the tithe, I would still pay my tithes to my local house of worship.
TV Evangelists typically do not ask for your tithes. Most of them teach that tithes belong in the local church.
Hushnowjustplayit- Amazing story! Well, my opinion of Oral Roberts went up about 20 notches. He is a really special person.
You are right, all those guys should have helped you.

Answer 4

All I'm aware of is Catholocism has nothing to do with Christianity. Jesus said in John 3:3 'you must be born again to enter the Kingdom of God ' Catholics teach works are required for Salvation . Not so, see Ep:2, 8-10 . They also repeats prayers over and over which Jesus denounced (Matthew 6:5-8)

Answer 5

Yes. Mal. 3: 8-10. Abraham also paid tithes to Melchizedek. Gen. 14:18-20. Sorry, but you are wrong. They started long ago. Examples are found all over the Old Testament.

Answer 6

I didn't know when it happened, but I know the concept of tithing is grossly abused.

Please read this -

TV preachers will always tell you something along the lines that it is better to give than to receive and oh my all the people you are helping when you send your money to THEM...

Once I was in desperate straights financially. I wrote every TV preacher a letter telling them of my situation and repeating their own words back to them about giving. I told them they could verify my situation. I asked them if they could help me, that even a few dollars would be appreciated.

I DID NOT HEAR BACK FROM A SINGLE ONE.

The only answer I received was from Oral Roberts wife who send me a personal check for $25.00.

Isn't that amazing and VERY telling about practicing what you preach? Those TV evangelists are all millionaires. You are foolish to give them one dime.

As for the Catholic church, they are so wealthy no one even knows how wealthy they are but they bought their own country and named it Vatican City. Yet church after church is being closed in the United States for lack of funds. Amazing.

Answer 7

Tithe started when Able gave the firstling of the animals. Abraham gave a tenth to the High Priest & King of Salem. Jacob told the LORD that he would give a 10th of all increase for the house of the LORD for if the Lord would bless him with lifes necessities.

Answer 8

Well, if you read where Abraham brought Lot back from captivity he gave 1/10 to the priest Melchizedek (sp?). That would be the frist tithe. I'm not sure about the clergy/laity.

Answer 9

Yes I learned about this in a history class, it shows the progressive corruption of the catholic church.

Answer 10

It began when they wanted money. If you believe in god and want to be saved, give up some money. If you don't have money, people evil-eye you. They want the whole world and all the money.