Corruption Countermands Tithing?
There are several reasons people suggest tithing is outdated but the arguments are often more emotive than scholastic. Very diatribe-ish. As a tither I feel a bit bruised and lacerated – sometimes guilty – after reading some of the rants. If you’ve read the write ups you know what I mean.
But, before you buy into “New Age” ideas about tithing you should consider one question: does the Bible endorse this type of giving? That is essentially the bottom line and there is a lot of Bible material to work through before you throw the idea out. The history of tithing goes all the way back to Abraham, “The Father of Faith.”
His experience gives us a very interesting perspective on tithing. You can read about it here and here.
Although anti-tithers make a lot of noise about this issue the arguments don’t vary that much from one to another and those who make the arguments don’t dialogue very well either. Their propositions are barbed with nasty names and accusations for anyone who disagrees. I usually answer their suggestions not for the sake of dialogue but to provide information for those that are sincerely seeking a way to include God in their finances. Read more
The Grace of Giving
“Grace” is a popular topic. Christians and non-Christians alike love it. The hymn, Amazing Grace, is still one of the best-known songs around and is sung regularly in all kinds of settings, in and out of church, even in bars. Once the tune is struck, everyone sings along, some with tears but all with joy. Very few need to be reminded of the words and we all identify with the hope this song and the word it features brings.
But, like all words in the English language, it is subject to shifts in meaning. The word gets used in many different contexts and with each new setting comes new connotations. It has now become the catchword for all Christian ideas. A “shibboleth” of sorts, identifying the user with a certain class, region, attitude or era and the real meaning is lost. Read more
What is Grace Giving?
I began a series of posts on Tithing in July 2009 that immediately attracted a lot of negative attention. Every comment came from people who reject tithing, believe it was eliminated at the cross and feel quite free to abuse anyone who thinks otherwise.
- They refer to those who teach tithing variously as false prophets, liars and thieves.
- Those who practice tithing, they say, are duped.
- Anyone who doesn’t see their point immediately or questions them with rational arguments are accused of being gripped with a cultic mindset.
In other words, anyone who disagrees is either a false prophet, a dupe or psychologically damaged. That makes it easy for them. Tithers need help not answers. Read more
Tithing Is No Quick Fix
Often tithing proponents promise all kinds of blessings to anyone who gives a tithe: prosperity, health, happiness, success and who knows what else. They also make a scene when anyone receives an unexpected monetary increase after giving their first tithe payment. They sound more like travelling salesmen offering cure-all elixirs. When someone suggests they may not be right they become bombastic pronouncing curses on those who fail to give. These extreme methods provide a lot of fuel to those who oppose tithing. Read more
Tithing – The Real Motive
Some people tithe only to meet needs and the needs they give to are only the ones they are personally concerned about. Tithing, however, was never intended to meet a need. Tithing is a way of expressing your commitment to God, of developing a relationship with Him on a personal level, and showing solidarity with the people with whom you worship. Tithing is relationship driven not need driven.
The fact is, whatever you see as the need, and there are many, will never be fully met. Jesus said we would always have the poor with us. Your giving and mine will never totally eradicate the problem. Giving money isn’t the only or even best way to solve this problem anyway. Read more
Tim Pepper - Beautiful Frustration