Sacred Cow Series: Tithing

Next up on the “sacred cow” series, an article I’ve been wanting to write for quite some time but haven’t been able to work on; Tithing.   I think this may well be my most controversial article and figure it will generate a lot of negative feedback because it will place me squarely between tithe preachers and their revenue stream, and Christians who are  tithing to “be blessed” and “avoid curses” by “robbing God”.  If there are two areas you tread dangerously, it’s a persons money or their attempts at works-righteousness! But I simply have to write this one because the amount of abuse I’ve seen here is absolutely disgusting. 

 That being said, here we go.  A couple of ground rules before you start if you would be so kind:

1. Read the entire article. Look at scripture in its entirety, and in context. Try to put tradition aside as you look at what scripture actually teaches. Not “principles”, but what scripture actually says.

2. Understand that I am not. NOT. NOT! (clear enough?) saying that you shouldn’t give to support the local church.  If you’re looking for a justification for not giving, it won’t be here.

First of all, let’s define the term “Tithe”.  Yes, it’s clearly in the Bible, no doubt about it.  But what does the term tithe mean? Is the way the term is used today in agreement or opposition to what scripture teaches?

Tithing, as we will discuss here is the current, modern teaching of “The first 10% of your income, given to the local church.”  

There are other subtleties that we will discuss including “firstfruits”, etc. But “The first 10% of your income to the local church” is a summary which I think fairly represents the position, and to which nearly all tithe-teachers would agree.

I will contrast that with the Biblical teaching of the tithe, utilizing the most used verses by tithe-teachers and show how tithing, as described above, is unbiblical.

As a quick look at history, would any of the following surprise you?   Continue at 5Solas