To Whom Much Is Given: Choice Architecture-based Giving

Abstract: Scholars have extensively discussed and debated the biblical basis for tithing, yet they have failed to adequately consider the base, rather than the basis, for tithing. This article seeks to address this void in the literature by considering alternative bases for tithing. The article begins by reviewing the literature on religious giving and choice architects’ role in guiding these decisions. Applying existing public finance literature, we then examine the 10 percent Judeo–Christian income tithe and propose an alternative religious giving rule based on wealth and income. This alternative giving rule increases both the likelihood of adherence to giving and the total amount of religious, charitable giving.