Christians, Do You Agree? - Tithing has been Use And Abuse Because of The Legalistic Nature of Tithing ?

Question

5. Are you obligated to tithe if you have concerns about the financial stewardship by those in authority ?

Answer 1

Christians of the first century were not required to pay tithes, which had been a requirement under the Law covenant to support Isreal's temple and the priesthood of the tribe of Levi. Maintenance of the Levites was mainly by tithes from the other tribes, a tenth of everything produced from the ground and the cattle being given them. The Levites, in turn, passed on a tenth of this to the priests. (Nu 18:25-29; 2Ch 31:4-8; Ne 10:38, 39) Also, though the Levites were exempt from military service, they, along with the priests, shared some of the spoils of battle. The Levites received no territorial allotment in Canaan, Jehovah being their share. (Nu 18:20) However, other tribes of Israel gave them a total of 48 cities scattered throughout the Promised Land.—Nu 35:1-8.

The requirement to pay tithes ceased when the Law covenant was fullfilled by Christ (Eph 2:15; Col 2:13, 14). Christians of the first century became part of a spiritual priesthood that was not supported by tithes (Romans 6:14; Hebrews 7:12; and 1 Peter 2:9 )

As Christians, they were encouraged to give support to the Christian ministry both by their own ministerial activity and by material contributions. Instead of giving a set amount to defray congregational expenses, they were to contribute "according to what a person has," giving "as he has resolved in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2Co 8:12; 9:7) They were encouraged to follow the principle: "Let the older men who preside in a fine way be reckoned worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard in speaking and teaching. For the scripture says: ‘You must not muzzle a bull when it threshes out the grain’; also: ‘The workman is worthy of his wages.’" (1Ti 5:17, 18) However, the apostle Paul set an example in seeking to avoid bringing an undue financial burden on the congregation.—Ac 18:3; 1Th 2:9.

Also there was no clergy class in the first century. Even the Apostles did not use titles, but everyone was simply called "brother" or "sister". Each minister of the first century was a volunteer and each dedicated Christian of the first century considered it a personal responsibility to obey the great commission given by Christ at Matthew 28:19,20 and to imitate the Christ in preaching the good news of God's Kingdom.

Answer 2

Must Christians Tithe?

For some time, tithing was common in the realm of Christendom. The Encyclopedia Americana states: “It . . . gradually became common by the 6th century. The Council of Tours in 567 and the second Council of Macon in 585 advocated tithing. . . . Abuses became common, particularly when the right to collect tithes was often given or sold to laymen. Beginning with Pope Gregory VII this practice was declared illegal. Many laymen then presented their tithing rights to monasteries and cathedral chapters. The Reformation did not abolish tithing, and the practice was continued in the Roman Catholic Church and in Protestant countries.” Tithing was abolished or gradually replaced in various lands, and few religions now practice it.

So, then, are Christians required to tithe? In his Bible concordance, Alexander Cruden said: “Neither our Saviour, nor his apostles have commanded any thing in this affair of tithes.” Indeed, Christians are not commanded to tithe. God himself put an end to the Mosaic Law, with its tithing arrangements, nailing it to Jesus’ torture stake. (Romans 6:14; Colossians 2:13, 14) Instead of being required to give a specified amount to defray congregation expenses, therefore, Christians make voluntary contributions.

Answer 3

Lots of confusion about tithing.

Deut.14
[22] Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year.
[28] At the end of THREE years thou shalt bring forth all the tithe of thine increase the same year, and shalt lay it up within thy gates:
Deut.26
[12] When thou hast made an end of tithing all the tithes of thine increase the THIRD year, which is the year of tithing, and hast given it unto the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, that they may eat within thy gates, and be filled;

Tithing is intended to help the poor, orphaned, widowed, old people. It is not intended to be used for airplanes, mansions, swimming pools or parties for the clergy.

It is also dependent on the INCREASE of your riches. Like if you invest wisely and make a profit, give 10% of the profit, not 10% of your entire salary.

The tithing thing is greatly manipulated by religious leaders. Where does it actually say you need to tithe to your church to go to heaven? Or even attend church to go to heaven?

Answer 4

I am a Christian Minister and this is what I believe and teach...

First of all - Tithing was under old testament law. Christians are not under old testament law. (Christians have the Law of freedom)

Next - Since we as Christians are under the New Testament Law of Freedom, Love and giving, it is your responsibility to take care of the money that God allows you to have.

It is you as a Christian who decides who to help and how to help with the money that you have.

If you are giving to a Ministry or Church that you know is not using the money properly (STOP!) it is better to buy a sandwich for someone who is hungry, or clothes for a child who's parents can not afford any, or medication for the sick, or pay the electric bill of a Senior who has no one to take care of them and can not pay (YOU GET THE IDEA).

You as a Christian is obligated to LOVE that's it,

1. not to pay for the private schools that the Elders, Pastors or ??? send their kids to.
2. Not to pay for their new car
3. Not to pay for their $3,000 suits
4. Not to pay for a New Church Building that will hold 5,000 people ( and right now you only have 15)

YOU ARE RESPONCIBLE FOR WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES.

God bless and have a Star on me...
Rev. Roy Ross

Answer 5

You should only sow financial seed in the good soil of ministries where God is at work through godly servants. Tithing is a legal forumla for giving. The passage that describes how New Testament believers should give is this one.

2 Corinthians 9:6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 9 As it is written, "He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." 10 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way for all your generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.

Many Christians feel that giving only 10% of their income is too little considering what Jesus has and is doing for them. But it's a matter between each believer and God.

Check out the first installment of Giving God's Way @ http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/Enduring_Truth/archives.asp for some excellent teaching on this subject.

Answer 6

Tithing is an old Testament teaching. Jesus wants 100%.

Answer 7

If you don't feel comfortable giving your tithe to someone who you think might not be a good steward then give it to someone else. Find something to do with your tithe that will honor God and bring him glory, but continue to tithe.

Answer 8

Where in the New testament says that we must give tithing?

Answer 9

Your church survives on its parishioners "tithes". So, yes in a way is could be considered an obligation, especially if you go to church, and enjoy yourself. However, most churches today overdue their plea's, almost to the point of extortion.

Answer 10

no....i completely understand.........i don't get people who tithe without really knowing where they're money ends up but it makes them feel better as a person because "they did they're part" and it's one more check in the box for God.....that's not what He wanted.....He wants us to tithe because we want to and for a specific reason not because we have to and not like...."oh who cares where the money goes.....i donated to the church and i did my duty and that's all i have to do to be right with God".....ARRRG!