The Washington Post ran an article on Christians who have taken the tithing test, and tell about it: "Anything that I get, I tithe," one said. "It's not a hardship at all. It's like when anyone else gets their check. They see what they have, they pay their bills and live on what is left. I tithe, and I live off the rest."
Tithing is particularly strong in African American communities, where it is reinforced by centuries of family tradition.
Across the spectrum of faiths, religious institutions draw much of the nation's charitable money, accounting for three out of every four dollars given, IRS data found. In African American communities, the figure is closer to nine out of every 10 dollars.
At some churches, tithing is the backbone of a movement known as "prosperity ministry," through which churchgoers are encouraged to give under the belief that they could receive riches in return.
The Rev. C. Matthew Hudson Jr., pastor at Matthews Memorial Baptist Church in Southeast Washington, said in an interview, "God is a promise keeper. He says if you give [to Him], try [Him] and see if [He] won't open a window from heaven and pour you out a blessing. [He’s] going to bless your health, family finances and future."
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