What 'tithing' actually means and why every Mormon is required to do it

In recent weeks, the secrets, practices and creeds of the Mormon community have become a source of fascination for many.

The hype may have been triggered by Hulu's latest series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, as well as the number of TikTok-using teens who've shed light on the ins and outs of the largely mysterious life.

And amongst the niche religious group's most astounding complexities is a practice known as 'tithing'.

First of all, get your mind out of the gutter - it's got nothing to do with those first three letters.

I totally get why you may have first thought it could have been some form of X-rated behaviour - especially seeing as how many Mormon sex loopholes have hit the headlines in recent weeks.

Need we remind you of 'soaking', which sees community members able to retain their vow of chastity by simply placing the penis inside the vagina, without actually thrusting?

Or how about 'Levi Lovin', which is basically the Church of Latter-Day Saints' word for dry humping?

Anyway, as we say, 'tithing' is actually far less raunchy than these controversial - yet allegedly acceptable - means of intimacy, as it's actually about money.

Mormoms must pay 'tithes' in order to remain in the church (Thai Noipho/Getty)

According to one former Mormon - who this week took to Reddit to lift the lid on some of the religion's most obscure practices - it's a financial requirement that all members must obey in order to remain within the church.

"Everything hinges on the Temple," he began by explaining. "The church requires members to pay 10 percent of their income to the church in Tithing.

"Tithing is required for participation in temple ordinances (rituals) which are required to obtain the promise of an eternal family."

Basically, these donations are paid to the church, and are based on bible practices of paying fees to the church, and the creed set out by Joseph Smith - the founder of Mormonism - back in the 19th century.

Though we can't quite confirm the fact in it, the Reddit user claims that the church definitely won't be pleased.

Those who practice the Mormon faith have a lot of rules to follow (Getty Stock Image)

"They will be told they will not be with you in heaven," they continued. "They will cry themselves to sleep at night over it and I'm not exaggerating.

"If they end up getting married in the temple and you aren't endowed, guess what? You don't get to be there."

They continued: "Did I mention if you're not completely paid up on 10 percent of your income for the previous 12 months you're automatically disqualified?"