A friend recently shared this story. Her cousin, who lives in the Valley, has been a devout Christian since childhood.

She grew up in the church, following her mother who was very active in church activities, and never missed Sunday services or volunteer work.

However, after marrying a non-religious husband last year, unexpected conflicts arose.

The issue was tithing.

The wife believed that since they were married, they should give a portion of their income to God, so she suggested that her husband also contribute to the tithe.

The husband opposed, saying, "I don't even go to church, so why should I give my salary to the church?" They ended up having a big fight.

It may seem like someone else's problem, but even in LA, I hear this story surprisingly often in Korean churches.

Especially when people of different faiths marry or when only one partner is actively attending church, financial issues can become intertwined with faith, leading to greater conflicts.

So how much do Americans actually donate? It's easy to think that "all American churches require tithing," but the reality is a bit different.

Many evangelical churches teach that 10% of income is the biblical standard, but in reality, only a minority consistently give more than 10%.

One survey found that among Christians, about 20% give more than 10% of their income to the church, while the rest determine their contributions based on their circumstances or give irregularly.

Catholicism has a different atmosphere. There is no requirement for members to give 10%, and they are encouraged to donate according to their means.

In fact, some people say they only donate $1 each week when they go to mass.

I believe this is more about values than money. For someone who attends church, tithing can be a promise to God.

Conversely, for someone without religion, it may feel like a demand to pay for something they do not agree with.

Therefore, in marriage, this seems to be more important. It's essential to respect not only your partner's faith but also their conscience and financial views.

Some couples manage their living expenses together, while the believing partner donates from their allowance or personal income, and others agree on a set amount.

Rather than trying to persuade each other, the key is to establish criteria that both can agree on.

Discussions about money are one of the most common causes of fights among couples. When religion is involved, emotions can escalate significantly.

No matter how well-intentioned the donation may be, if it leads to a loss of trust from your partner, it might be best to have a conversation from each other's perspective first.