If you attend a Christian fellowship long enough, you are likely to hear many sermons on the subject of tithing. Sometimes the sermons are called something different like "Biblical Stewardship" or "God's Plan for Your Finances". But the message is usually the same: you are required to give a tenth of your finances to the local church if you want God to bless you. If you don't tithe (give 10% of your gross income), you will be under the curses of God and things will not go well for you.For most of my life I believed this to be true. I had many well-respected pastors and Christian writers reinforce this idea in many creative ways. The popular texts to "support" this view are: Malachi 3:8-10; Matthew 23:23 and a multitude of old covenant laws- Leviticus, Deuteronomy.
I decided to study the topic in detail in 1999. I read over 20 books on the subject- many written from a pro-tithing view. Some written from an anti-tithing view. Let me clarify. I believe that most Christians- myself included- would applaud anyone who gives 10% or more of the income that God has provided for the purpose of meeting real tangible financial needs to spread the gospel of Christ. When I say pro-tithing, I mean that an author expouses a belief that giving 10% of one's income is mandated today. Anti-tithing simply means that the author believes this requirement is no longer valid.
There are huge problems with the way tithing is taught in a large percentage of congregations. The give-to-get philosophy is rampant. The law of attraction nonsense that has inspired the best-selling book The Secret is all too prevalent in Christendom. But I will assume for arguments sake that pro-tithing teachers have no ulterior motives for espousing this doctrine.
The question becomes: should tithing be taught as a principle that applies to Christians today? I believe the answer to this question is "no". Why do I believe this? I have five major reasons:
1. The Word of God does not teach tithing as a principle for believers in Jesus Christ. There are some Old Testament verses that teach the importance of tithing. These verses can be easily manipulated to formulate a belief in tithing for Christians today. But Israel was under a theocracy. God was their Ruler. Tithes were taxes paid to priests who administered the laws of God. We do not live under this form of government. God is still our Ruler. But we now pay taxes to the governments that He has installed to rule us- Romans 13:1.
John MacArthur is a well-respected Bible teacher. He explains this in an answer to the question: does God require me to give a tithe of all I earn? I whole-heartedly agree with his response: http://www.biblebb.com/files/macqa/IA-tithe.htm
2. Tithing diminishes the joy from giving. No one joyfully pays taxes. At least I don't. I suppose there are people out there who love to give 10% of their income to their local church because their pastor has convinced them that there are God-ordained goodies in store for them as a result of their faithfulness. But the New Testament clearly teaches that giving should be cheerful and not under compulsion. 2 Corinthinans 9:7 teaches, "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
My conviction is that the amount of money and where that money is disbursed should be continually motivated by God's Spirit. We should support the poor and needy; proclamation of the gospel and people/ministries that are discipling us. We are not required to finance massive building campaigns and cushy lifestyles for ministry professionals.
3. Tithing is counter-productive to the clear biblical message of whole-life stewardship. A Christian believes in Christ and submits to Him in every area of life. God now owns 100% of our money, ability, time and health. There is no separation of sacred and secular to the committed believer. The Christian should prayerfully decide how to allocate every resource. In the case of money, we should work hard to obtain honest wealth. But here is where it gets tricky.
Does it honor God to charge your customer twice as much so that you can give more to your local church? Is it really more spiritual to give money to your local church than to provide for your family; help a person in need; pay off debt or save? Common sense tells us that there are plenty of dilemmas that cannot be solved by some black and white rule. We should daily seek the Holy Spirit's guidance on how to distribute the resources God entrusts to us.
4. Tithing is inequitable. Many pastors teach that you are required to give 10% of your gross income to the local church. For the Ed Young Jr's; TD Jakes; Kenneth Copeland's of the world this is easy to teach. If you are making over $1,000,000 per year, you can spare $100k without much of a problem. But what about the single mom of three kids who is scraping by on $30k per year. Is it fair to require her to give $3k per year to the local church?
Shouldn't we ponder Andrew Murray's words: "How different our standard is from Christ. We ask how much a person gives? Christ asks how much a person keeps?"
The idea that all people should give 10% of their gross income to the local church reminds me of Jesus' stern warning to the Pharisees- religious leaders of Israel in Jesus' day. Luke 11:46, "Woe to you Pharisees! For you load people with burdens hard to bear, and you yourselves do not touch the burdens with one of your fingers."
5. Church history is noticeably silent on the topic of tithing. The teaching of tithing for believers has only come into vogue since 1900. Jesus only mentioned it once in the Gospels- Matthew 23:23- and this was not an endorsement of it for his followers. Paul never mentions the tithe. Nor does Peter, James or John. The author of Hebrews mentions the tithe but again only to illustrate a different theological point.
Martin Luther and John Calvin- two of the most voracious students of Scripture- did not teach tithing as applicable to the new covenant believer. Luther said this in a sermon dated August 27,1525: "But the other commandments of Moses, which are not (implanted in all men) by nature, the Gentiles do not hold. Nor do these pertain to the Gentiles, such as the tithe...
Early church leaders wrote the following comments in reference to the subject of tithing:
“The wealthy among us help the needy…As for the persons who are prosperous and are willing, they give what each thinks fit.” Justin Martyr, 160 A.D.
“Instead of the Law commanding the giving of tithes, He taught us to share all our possessions with the poor.” Irenaeus, 180 A.D.
“On the monthly day, if he likes, each puts in a small donation- but only if it is his pleasure and only if he is able. For there is no compulsion; all is voluntary.” Tertullian, 197 A.D.
Why is tithing taught in churches today? It's good business. The more a church takes in, the more financially secure and comfortable things are. But is it biblical? My conviction is no. Believe me it would be easier to say and think otherwise. The pro-tithers is a larger club. And they tend to take care of their own. They don't enjoy dissenting opinions.But I have to stand on conviction. Perhaps God will show me different in Heaven. But I won't bet on it for the reasons I have stated above. Hopefully, all pro-tithers and anti-tithers can agree on this: all resources should be maximized for God's glory and the advancement of His kingdom.
For His Glory,
Ashley Hodge
19 comments:
Thanks for standing up for what is right concerning tithing. I invite you and your readers to visit my web site, www.shouldthechurchteachtithing.com. It offers a free downloadble book and many many articles about tithing. There are many tithing principles found in the OT and NONE of them are followed by the church today. That makes today's so-called "tithing" a tradition of men and not biblical.
Russ,
I read your book "Should the Church Teach Tithing?" It was very instrumental in my views. I have been to your website many times and should have credited you in this blog.
You have done outstanding research along with David Yeubanks at truthforfree.com and Matthew Narramore's book.
Good to hear from you. Keep fighting the good fight!
God Bless,
Ashley Hodge
Your comment that some people teach that “you are required to give a tenth of your finances to the local church if you want God to bless you” is not an accurate statement about anyone’s postion that I know of. In my work of teaching stewardship, I encourage people to tithe, but not as a means of receiving God’s blessing. The term “required” bothers me because there is very little that is “required” of the Christian life. I try to live by grace. I agree that tithing is no longer required although there are reasons to tithe and there are certainly blessings from tithing.
Your position in point #1 is the typical position of a dispensationalist. John MacArthur and others have built their anti-tithing stance on the notion that tithing is strictly Old Testament thus no longer even a consideration for Christians. If you are going to be consistent, you must apply this same principle to every thing you believe which might be difficult.
Point #2 that tithing eliminates joy from giving is not consistent with the testimonies I hear from tithers. In fact, some of the greatest, most joyful givers I know are those who begin with the tithe.
Point #3 that tithing is contrary to whole life stewardship is also flawed. I have never heard anyone teach that once you give a tithe then you are free to do whatever you want with the rest. If a person is uncomfortable giving a tenth to God, it will be impossible for them to give a hundred percent to God. I have heard people claim that they don’t tithe because everything belongs to God. I don’t know for sure, but I doubt if very many of those folks are actually giving God even a tenth. It is a good position to take if you don’t want to give very much to God.
Point #4 that tithing is inequitable is quite true, but so what? Equity is more of a modern day American issue than a biblical position. Talk to Abraham about equity as he stood over his son Isaac with a knife. Personally, I don’t think it is fair that you have a healthy body and I have spent my entire life in a wheelchair, but I am confident that it is God’s will (for some reason), even if it is inequitable.
The silence of church histroy in point #5 is a dangerous position as well. Apply that principle to abortion and what do you have? What if Martin Luther had taken that position about the subject of salvation by grace alone?
However, in spite of all of this, the one statement you made at the end is what percipitated this response. You do not plan to change your position until you get to heaven and God shows you differently. May I suggest, that is the position of a young man who has yet to experience much of life. I used to know everything myself. Now I am old enough to realize I don’t really know very much at all. A lot of issues that I had clearly resolved as being quite obvious proved to be not quite so black and white when life threw a curve. It is good to have convictions, but don’t close yourself to the possibility of other options being equally correct.
Keep up the good work.
Terry,
Thanks for posting your thoughts. I always enjoy reading your blogs on stewardship. I have read some of the books that you have recommended and respect your opinion.
One of your recommended books- Revolution by George Barna- impacted my thinking greatly.
I do try to keep an open mind and read widely- not just opinions that line up with my already held view. I am certain about many things. One of them is that my views will change as I grow and mature in Christ.
I do want to respond to your comments.
Point #1: There are plenty of pastors who teach that the tithe is required and that you will be materially blessed if you tithe and will fall under the curses of God if you do not tithe.
I heard Ed Young Jr. preach that every couple of months when I was a member of Fellowship Church in my early 20s. Is there a voice on Christian television that doesn't teach this?
I have respect for the way you view tithing and the stance of pastors such as John Piper and Randy Alcorn. But I don't understand why tithing is taught at all. We all agree that generous giving should be a mark of a converted Christian.
A guy like George Muller should be our model. He viewed the tithe as an irrelevant word and that the goal of the Christian life should be increasing frugality towards self and increasing generosity towards others. I think you, Alcorn and Piper would all agree with Muller's view.
There are plenty of other theologians that view the tithe as an irrelevant thing besides dispensationalists. DA Carson, NT Wright, Zola Levitt, FF Bruce, Walter Brueggeman are names that come to mind. These are mature men who have poured over Scripture and come to similar conclusions that I have.
Point #3: As a Certified Financial Planner, I have had the opportunity to view plenty of tax returns. Unless, these people are giving anonymously, I haven't been terribly impressed with the giving habits of many who claim to believe in tithing.
I don't think it matters what one espouses in this area. Grace either motivates the heart to be a giver or it doesn't. I don't have a dog in this hunt. I am not a pastor or professional fund-raiser for churches. I just want to be led where Scripture leads me in all areas of life.
Do you not believe the tithe was equivalent to an income tax for Israel? Why are we teaching that people should give a tenth of their income when the Old Testament tithe was equal to 23%?
Point #4: Your point about inequality is exactly what I am saying in relation to tithing. I emphathize with you being in a wheelchair. My wife has a degenerative neurological disease that affects her mobility. Our family deals with the reality of this every day. It doesn't seem fair but we trust in God's sovereign plan.
The whole issue with tithing is that a person making $1,000,000 per year who gives $100k to his/her church gets pats on the back; awards at stewardship banquets; etc... The person making $20,000 who can't give 10% gets loaded down with guilt for not doing their duty. I have counseled many of these people and have had to help them work through this guilt.
Point #5: Abortion was not discussed in the Old Testament. But it is pretty obvious from chapters like Psalms 139 that human life is sacred from conception. The tithe is different. It was part of the OT law. Yet, it is visibly absent from the NT and church history- except for the Catholic church where tithing was emphasized during times of apostasty in Roman Catholicism. This set the stage for the Reformation.
For His Glory,
Ashley Hodge
I suppose I have a couple of questions for Terry on this subject, since I've done a bit of research on this as well. Although I may not "wait till I get to heaven" on this one, I have to say that I too have come to conclusion that teaching tithing is not scriptural under the New Covenant. I'm 48, so I've seen a bit of life myself, so my views on this subject are not a youthful indulgence on my part.
Terry, you made the comment that you encourage people to tithe, yet you agree it is no longer required. If you had stated that you encourage people to give freely and generously, it would have made sense to me...but why do you encourage a 10% giving level, and what blessings stem from that level that don't stem from 8% or 11%?
You mentioned that this view is typical for dispensationalists, but that applying the same principles to everything one believes might prove challenging. Would you mind sharing what some of these other challenging beliefs might be for example?
I believe the equity issue was meant to represent a level of sacrifice in Ashley's post. Although trying to place everyone at a level "pain threshold" is not something I would condone, I can certainly see Ashley's point.
God bless you both (Terry / Ashley),
Michael
There are many more ways that God speaks against the monetary tithe than is found by the casual bible reader. It is easy to convince the novice of anything. It is also hard to overcome years of listing to the same lies over and over again.
Tithing is a bread vs money issue. Should the church trade away its bread for money? I say no. Old Testament bread converted to New Testament truth is Christ's body and blood.
The basis of Christ's eternal priesthood is the offering of his body and blood. Tithe teachers would have you supplimenting this offering with money.
The twin to the tithe of the land is the tithe of the manna that was put in a pot. Tithe teachers would have you put money in the manna pot which is the same as putting money into the storehouse.
Abraham said of the spoils that were taken by him 'I will not take to a shoe'. The prophet Amos comments on this in chapters 2 and 8 of his book. God has a problem with taking silver from the poor and righteous. The tithe given to Abraham was of the goods of Sodom. He did not keep any of it. The Jews have this in common with the Sodomites, both had tithes taken of their goods and both were destroyed by fire. Deut 32:32 says the vine of Sodom is to be found in the treasury (storehouse).
Jabob vowed to tithe. God mentions this vow later. The first place in the bible that God in the first person mentioning the tithe. What was the response of God's people to God's first mention of the tithe? "For he (Laban) has sold us and devoured also our money." Gen 31 This agrees with Amos 2 and 8.
And who thinks that God does not know what is going on with this tithing business.
Jared,
Thanks for your comments. A couple other books besides Kelly and Narramore that influenced me were:
Beyond Tithes & Offerings by Webb
Whose Money is it Anyway by John MacArthur
I still hold to my views on tithing. But as time goes on, I see it as a less than fruitful thing to focus on or even debate. I personally set giving goals each year and try to stretch those goals each year. In the end, God knows our heart and will judge our motives and actions.
All giving should come from a transformed undivided heart that wants to live for the kingdom.
I think too many ministries focus on the fruit of giving and tithing can become an easy crutch instead of concentrating on the bigger issue- transforming hearts and minds to give all to His kingdom on earth as it is in Heaven.
It's interesting how pro-tithing leaders can say that tithing is not "required" of NT believers, yet required them to tithe in order to become members of their congregations (most Rick Warren disciples require the signing of a "vow" to tithe). Such circular reasoning is difficult to understand.
And, most disturbing is the fact that very little of the money in the church coffers is used to feed the hungry and help the needy. My former church took in a million dollars last year, yet spent one half of 1% on the poor. But the leadership had no problem with spending thousands on LDC TV's for the foyer, 120K+ on a sound system, or 20K+ to make a music CD. What has happened to our priorities???
Todd
But I am coming to the feeling that I shouldnt pay my tithe like I pay my bills, instead give when/where i feel prompted whether it be to someone who I see in need of help, or to a minstry, or to the church or as a favor for someone, or an annonomous gift. And without calculating in my mind if I filled my 10% or if I went over, under or whatever.
But i AM struggeling with the guilt of feeling like if I am not making sure at least 10% goes into my spiritual store house than I may miss somekind of supernatural blessings, because perhaps I am cheating the church and ministries out of the money THEY need to continue to spread the word of God.
Mind you, like I said I have seen such an amazing protection over me and my family ever since I began tithing. My budget is super tiny, like I said I am on food stamps, SSI and child support. I do not work or EARN and income b/c the cost of care for my children would superceed any money I could earn, besides the fact my child who is on SSI needs me home to care for him.
I guess what I am getting at is I have always thought of the widow who gave all she had into the offering, even tho it was just 2 coins and have strived to tithe but feel that in my tithing I have also not been able to give in situations where I felt "I wish I had the money to be able to help out" I want to give as God directs, and HE DOES certainly speak to me about how/where to give, but should I continue tithing ontop of that as well (as tithe is one thing and offerings are another)
Anyways, like I stated, I was just begining to research this and I feel like every time I read something pro tithe, I agree, and then read something anti tithe, and agree and I am so confused! I know God is not the author of confusion, I just need to find out what is right, honorbale and obedient to God, because in the end thats all I am concerened with. I do know that God is my provider and even if I give more than I have the ability to give, it is HIM who will replentish my sourses, I just want to know the best way to honor HIM in what I am doing and want my heart to give cheerfully, not out of obligation.
Mybillingbox- you're submission to God and wanting to honor Him is inspirational! As the body of Christ, we all need each others' gifts. Some have more money than free time. Some have more time than money.
My conviction from Scripture is that every resource comes from God and we are to prayerfully consider how to allocate those resources. Paying off debt may be a wiser decision than giving. All decisions of this nature should be filled with seeking God's direction. The teaching of some is meant to elicit guilt in regards to tithing. I pray that God shows you the path you should travel in these areas.
In Christ,
Ashley
There are many things I agree with in this blog. Tithing can be taught for the wrong reasons - i.e. to finance lavish lifestyles of the clergy or to build buildings for the glory of man. Also, I agree that it ALL belongs to God and he cares about what we do with the other 90 percent as well. And, guilt is a poor motivation for giving of any kind (although I guess 1 John 3:17 is directed to "convict" the comfortable who refuse to give).
I hesitate to say that a single mother earning $30K year should not be expected to give (or even tithe). That is worldly reasoning. Jesus commended the widow's mite. I dare say that no one, not even the widow, can out-give God. I would put God first in my finances (however you want to interpret that) and prove the faithfulness of God. When the O.T. widow cared for Elijah, THEN God met the needs that she and her son had (1 Kings 17).
Another point related to the mother with only $30K - even that is rich compared to the world's standard. I guess NO ONE in Africa or Southeast Asia should give to the kingdom. Again, the biblical principle of PROPORTIONALITY applies (which is exactly what the tithe is). Honor God with what you HAVE - don't promise to do better when you have more. There should be a joy in giving, but is that encouraged when you make excuses for those in situations that require great faith? I say this, not because I want the widow's mite, but because I want the widow to hear Jesus say, "Look at this one!"
I give joyfully because I have received (1 Cor. 4:7). I give proportionately because it is a biblical principle that holds me accountable if I am tempted to make excuses that I need a vacation and pool in my backyard (both of which I have)more than I need to support the gospel (1 Cor. 16:2; Matt. 6:33). I give with expectation of blessing because God is faithful (this is also a NT principle - 2 Cor. 9:6). I give without judging those who are struggling financially and wrestle with the faith needed to give. I also give without judging those who see this differently than I do. God is sufficient as judge. (Rom. 14:10-13) These are my convictions and I would not expect you to ask me to live or teach contrary to them just as you would not want me to ask that of you.
And, that may be our only path to unity. We can all be reminded that God knows our hearts. If our beliefs for (or against) tithing are borne out of wrong motives, we need to lay them before the search-light of God's word and let him reveal what needs change. If our desire is for truth, let us continue in his word (John 8:31-32), trust God to show us if we are wrong (Phil. 3:15; Ps. 139:23-24), and be patient toward those we think are not as far along as we are (1 Cor. 8:2; 1 Thess. 5:14).
Tithing in principle is good but there is not one commandment in the New Testament under the New Covenant after Jesus died that says one must keep the tithe law!
IF CHRISTIANS WHO BELIEVED THE LIE THAT GOD WOULD CURSE THEM OVER THEIR LACK OF TEN PERCENT IN CASH SHOULD HAVE READ GALATIANS 3:13 AND THEY WOULD KNOW JESUS REDEEMED THEM FROM ALL CURSES OF THE LAW. HE FULFILLED THE LAW FOR THEM.
Jesus words paid in full does not mean pay in full!
Wake the heck up Christians. Enough already!
I know God said dont muzzle the ox that treads the fields but millions of poor could be fed with money spent on religion-
Totally agree! Thank you very much
Riaan
Ashley,
Could you please provided the resources or citations regarding your comment about DA Carson, NT Wright, Zola Levitt, FF Bruce, Walter Brueggeman. I would love to know exactly what they have said on the topic. I believe you, but I can't find the exact locations in their works. :)
Sincerely,
Zach
You can see a list here with exact quotes and links to the sources of many who disagreed with tithing
https://www.tithing.com/those-who-disagree-with-tithing/
Thanks Jared!
However, only FF Bruce is listed on that link. I would love to see both N.T. Wright, D.A. Carson, and Walter Brueggeman agree on something as monumental as this!
Please let me know of the quotes from those people and/or the resources they come from.
Zach!
Zach
D.A. Carson does not take a stance on tithing. He straddles the fence. Source- https://www.desertspringschurch.org/blog/2014/08/d-a-carson-on-the-question-of-tithing/. If Wright or Brueggemann take a stance, then it must be in one of their books which i do not have access to. I do not find any quotes online from either of them for or against support in the Church. This link is the closest i can find of brueggemann, but there is no direct quote of his work to cite the exact origins - http://www.stlukesboone.org/?p=669
You can find some of brueggemann's writings here - https://books.google.com/books?id=hi_xUCHkF60C&pg=PA161&lpg=PA161 but his discussion is in context of Israelites within the Old Covenant.
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