> Try going to your temple/etc and telling them that you gave already. You'll quickly learn that it's an in-group fee, not charity.

Not sure where you're getting this but that hasn't been my experience at all. From my upbringing in several Catholic churches you're expected to "tithe" as a general principle but no one follows up with you on your accounts. My family always set aside our tithing amounts each year, but we got to distribute it as we saw fit, some to the church, sure, but others to scholarships or charities that we wanted.

The practice of tithing comes from a tax that existed to support the church and clergy. Saving ten percent of your income and distributing it as you please isn't tithing in the traditional sense, only the portion given to the church is considered a tithe.