What are Tithe Maps (2021)
mapreading.co.ukI know this is my late 1900s American background speaking, but it is insane to me to have a legally binding donation to a religious authority. I would argue a significant portion of the New Testament talks about how much more important it is to do things for the right reason than just doing the thing. Donating to the church because you are forced to seems like it defeating the point of what tithes are about.
In 18th century England, priests played a semi-political role, perhaps equivalent to a contemporary head of a local council. In addition to religious duties, they effectively administered their parish.
The monarch was (and titularly remains) the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, and senior church positions were appointed by parliament.
The tithe was more a local tax rather than a religious offering.
Agreed. I'm reminded of "debt the first 5000 years" where the author talks about the tricky business of giving gifts to kings and how it usually ends up being a tax later on. Given sufficient power, I wouldn't expect a church to be any different.