Caesarius of Arles and the Development of the Ecclesiastical Tithe: From a Theology of Almsgiving to Practical Obligations
Eric Shuler
Caesarius of Arles and the Development Ecclesiastical Tithe:From a Theology Almsgiving to Practical Obligations Eric Shuler Few taxes have been as enduring evocative identity Christian ecclesiastical tithe, arguably “the most important tax in economic development western Europe.”1 The secular enforcement 779 tithe’s collection by church clearly marked decisive moment its evolution, but earlier origins religious law much more elusive. Scholarship over past five decades has made clear that mandatory tithing was not custom early Christianity rather something developed late antiquity, with our first unambiguous evidence theory tithe coming from sixth-century Gaul.2 key figure providing (ca. 469–542).3 aim this article is explain crucial shift understanding what meant, which played pivotal role. It his time period apparently written sermons defined payment fixed percentage income incumbent on all Christians [End Page 43] distinct other forms offerings. Before Caesarius, churchmen used language only discuss almsgiving, nature resisted being due. However, certain useful ambiguous elements discourse practice opened way for sixth century’s creation recognizable notion turn later imposition authority. Caesarius’s sermons, elucidation offer us privileged insight into why developed. Moreover, it quite probable than merely describing shifting practice, an active role emergence tithe. My argument falls four parts. treats trail up until pointing out both conflation almsgiving (as observed previous scholars) desire some system (perhaps similar tithing) regularizing offerings faithful. second section focuses himself, noting practical challenges he faced forceful innovative bishop. third delves theology tithing, necessity, consequent solution issues caused use Old Testament dues almsgiving. final briefly surveys immediate history after highlights originality influence Throughout paper, terms “tithe” or “ecclesiastical tithe” refer levying rate (usually 10 percent, etymological origin English word “tithes,” Latin decimae) believers be paid redistribute. This act obligation, charity. ultimate lay Jewish biblical times Levites poor, existed form Jesus’s day.4 also practiced eleemosynary giving away tenth their possessions either annually specific occasions alms. Tithes (“tenths”) rents.5 focus investigation light precedents. 44] Tithing before Until half twentieth century, story seemed simple: obligatory primitive through Middle Ages.6 Figures such Augustine, Jerome, John Chrysostom, Cassian did indeed talk about called decimae. belief referred tariff eroded century. tremors came regional studies. In 1910, Émile Lesne...
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