Does the Concept of Tithing Make You Angry? Should It?

By in Bible & Money

Being the author of a Christian book on finances and managing a blog along the same lines, I run into an array of reactions regarding the practice of “tithing”. One thing that is consistent, however, is a heated comment something like: “STOP telling Christians to tithe! Tithing is a legalistic, Old Testament Law that gets pushed on believers. Under the grace of the new covenant, God desires us to give with our hearts as the Spirit leads us.” This is quite a loaded statement, and I believe it well worth taking a moment to unpack it.

Naturally, we should look to what the Bible says about tithing under the new covenant. Oh, if only it were that easy! Simply put, the New Testament does not directly confirm or refute the tithe. We cannot, with certainty, say the Biblical argument lies on one side of the fence or the other (continuing or abandoning the tithe). What we can say, however, is that the New Testament commands Christians to give generously, liberally, sacrificially, secretively, willingly, and proportionally (and all of this from a pure heart).Tithing

So is the anger towards the concept of tithing justified? Perhaps. I believe the person that is angered at the continued teaching of the tithe because it sets the bar too low for the grace giving Christian should be given room to speak. After all, the commands for the Christian’s giving in the New Testament are a much higher standard than a “10% tithe”. But is the anger towards tithing really arising from a disappointment that Christians have settled for too low of a standard?

Let’s dig in where the rubber meets the road. Google search it: What percent of Christians tithe? The results of countless surveys are staggering–ranging from as low as 4% and topping out somewhere near 40%. For safe measure, we will place the bar dead center: We will assume that approximately 20% of Christians give 10% or more of their money to the Lord’s work. So, before addressing whether or not we should stop telling Christians to tithe, we must recognize that approximatley 80% of Christians give less than what the tithe requires. There is a disconnect here. The most common reaction to tithing is resentment based on a Biblical call to give as the New Testament requires, yet the pudding lacks any proof. More and more Christians get offended that churches try to teach the practice of tithing, but the anger (statistically speaking) is much more likely to come from someone who gives far less than a tenth. Something is amiss.

So what to make of the tithe?

1. First off, I admit that–yes–there are many churches that have taught the concept of tithing incorrectly in a variety of ways (legalistically, under compulsion, etc.). That aside, I find it very difficult–perhaps even impossible–to use the New Testament’s commands for our money to justify giving less than 10% as a long-term lifestyle decision.

2. Secondly, there is nothing wrong, primitive, or legalistic about a Christian deciding to tithe (you can turn any command into legalism). A heart that has sought the Lord with honesty and decided to set apart 10% to God’s work based on the instruction of the Old Testament is doing far more than the average believer. Continue on in grace and truth. Those of you who are passionate that the tithe is too limiting, too little, too far from the scripture’s high calling–keep on. The church needs more voices like you. Those who are passionately against the continued teaching of the “old testament tithe” but give far less than it requires need to reflect honestly over the following question: “Should someone who gives so little be handing out advice on generosity?”

True, Christ has set us free from the Law, but something is amiss when we use our freedom to give less and keep more for ourselves.

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About Rob Kuban

Rob Kuban, author of Dollars and Doctrine, writes with the aim of bringing God’s people back to God’s word. His writing is rich with scripture and insight, maintains a solid balance between depth and daily living, and helps Christians live at the intersection of faith and finance. Follow Rob's Blog and order his book.
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  • http://www.providentplan.com Paul Williams

    Excellent analysis of the issue, Rob!

    I’m one who does get angry when tithing is taught, but hopefully for the right reasons. We do give generously, so it’s not about me trying to get out of giving. But when it’s taught as a legalistic, compulsive standard that lacks any hint of God’s grace and love, I cannot stand it.

    And I also can’t stand it when people use it as an excuse not to give more. We can use the tithe as a checkbox. “OK, God. I gave what I owe you. Now I can do whatever I want with the rest.” But that’s not how it should be at all. With everything we’re given the question should be, “OK, God. What do YOU want me to do with this?”

    I also think allowance should be given for those who are truly poor. Tithing can be used to oppress the poor (though I doubt there are many in America who cannot actually afford to give at least 10%). If the tithe is used as a tool of oppression and the Church is doing nothing to help the poor, I’m absolutely sure it disgusts God. One of the purposes of the tithe was to help the poor – not oppress them! Oppression of the poor was one of God’s recurring rebukes of the Israelites.

    I appreciate your balanced approach to this, Rob. And I agree that arguing against tithing should never be used as an excuse to give less. But I also think we shouldn’t argue nearly as much as we do. Why can’t we look at Jesus’ example in His life and teaching and try to follow Him? Generosity and care for the poor were clear teachings from Him, and we would do well to just focus on that.
    Paul Williams recently posted..Raising a Cow for Beef- Month 14My Profile

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  • Bridget J

    I find myself getting upset when someone fuss about giving 10%. I am growing to understand that some christians will give less or nothing at all if their pastors didn’t teach tithing. We as christians must first understand the word then change our ways so more people can see us give generously.

  • http://www.personalfinancebythebook.com Joe Plemon

    I too get angry when I hear tithing taught legalistically. Yet, while you correctly stated that the New Testament does not clearly confirm or refute the tithe, it seems many of us (myself included) need some sort of a minimum mathematical standard (10%) to give more definition to exactly what it means to give generously and with a cheerful heart. Is this a good thing? Probably not…it would be better if we simply gave out of love for Christ and his kingdom. Still, and I am arguing with myself, the 10% minimum guideline is a valuable standard, and good for the simple discipline of giving.

    Thanks for the challenge of not settling with a tithe, but looking for ways to go far beyond it I needed this.
    Joe Plemon recently posted..My Car Needs an Engine Should I Sell it- Fix it or Junk itMy Profile

  • http://www.eliteinchrist.wordpress.com Tony Isaac

    To say the new testament is silent on the tithe shows you really have not studied this topic hard enough. And it’s a pity that most of today’s church hold so tenaciously to this 10% rule when the bible itself gives no such command.

    We can never fully understand what the tithe is without looking at the Old testament. A quick look shows us that the tithe was always A TENTH (not 10%) of agricultural produce and livestock from within the land of Israel alone. It was a concept that never extended to money; money could never be tithed. With this in mind, we see why it was never really mentioned in the New Testament because it was something pertinent to the Jewish people living in the land of Israel.

    If it is giving you are trying to talk about, that is another thing entirely. The entire New Testament is replete with how to give and never suggests a so-called 10% as a minimum requirement. It simply encourages every believer to give as they are able be it 1%, 5%, 10% or a 100% (2 Cor 8 & 9) and to share what they have with the brethren.

    With this in mind, the anger of most Christians towards this 10% fathom is justifiable because the bible gives no such command. And not everyone can truly afford to give at least 10% of what they earn as this erases equality in giving as it overburdens some whilst making it easy for others.

  • http://www.eliteinchrist.wordpress.com Tony Isaac

    Correction: With this in mind, the anger of most Christians towards this 10% fathom is justifiable… should actually be With this in mind, the anger of most Christians towards this 10% phantom is justifiable…
    Tony Isaac recently posted..The Mark of the beast Part 1My Profile

  • http://dollarsanddoctrine.com Rob @ dollars and doctrine

    (Author of post)
    Joe – I think the tension you describe is good. We want to be found in the middle of legalism and license. Legalism neglects grace and gives 10% life-lessly, almost like a tax, out of spiritual deadness. License abuses grace and says “who cares, do whatever…” and again, this is done out of spiritual deadness. We should dive into the New Testament feeling the tension within our soul rise up. The answer is not to create a formula to check off our list, but not to push off the high calling of scripture in the name of “grace”. As you have found, this is no easy task. This tension calls us to live in constant communication with God and really helps us to focus and engage our relationship with Christ. You are right where you should be.

    Tony – I appreciate your insight.

    1. I think you misunderstood the purpose of the post. The post is not intended to be an in-depth analysis of the practice of tithing. Instead, it sets out to answer the question- “Should we automatically assume that tithing is legalistic and an out-dated concept that should be abandoned?”

    2. By saying the New Testatment doesn’t directly address the issue, I simply meant it doesn’t say “Thou shall continue tithing…(or) Thou shall no longer tithe”.

    3. I disagree that the tithe is not directly addressed in the New Testament because of agricultural/economic reasons. I believe it is not addressed because it, along with the rest of the Law, is fulfilled in Christ (Matt. 5:17-18). We see the tithe, not abolished, but fulfilled in Christ (and the radical call of New Testament giving).

    4. The post is meant to show that something is wrong when we use the New Testament to to justify giving so little (as the evidence clearly indicates that many modern Christians give next to nothing). I admitted in the post that many people teach tithing incorrectly or legalistically. Yet, Christ did not abolish the Law…therefore I think that applying the concept of the tithe and prayerfully deciding to start giving 10% is a great place to start your giving life. Further still, Christ fulfilled the Law, so we find the calling of the new covenant much higher, much more radical, much more challenging, but we have the Spirit to enable such radicality (is that even a word?!?)

    5. I don’t believe we can walk away from the New Testament and give 1% (as you mentioned). This is sort of what the post is saying. Something is not right when we take the grace of the gospel and walk away giving next to nothing. Because of the reference you quoted I do get what you are saying- but Paul in those chapters says to not give what you are not able–yet also says they gave beyond their ability. ENTER TENSION. Like I explained to Joe. We have to actively engage our relationship with Christ to find out what He desires of us. So for some, a temporary season of giving 1% may be permissible, but as the post was trying to show- this is not most people’s reality. Instead, people give so little because they want to keep the rest for themselves, and all of this–sadly–in the name of grace.
    Rob @ dollars and doctrine recently posted..Church Bankrupcy: Learning From Our MistakesMy Profile

    • http://www.eliteinchrist.wordpress.com Tony Isaac

      Hi Rob,

      I never said the tithe was not addressed in the NT because of agricultural/economic reasons, I said it was not addressed because it was pertinent to the Jews leaving in Israel alone. As tithes could only be paid on agricultural produce and livestock from within the land of Israel alone. And yes the law finds it’s fulfilment in Jesus, hence the NT church is no longer required to tithe as well.

      I didn’t misunderstand your post but I was only trying to tell you that it is completely irrelevant seeing that today’s church has not been given the command to tithe neither does scripture put it forward as a guide to giving. The early church never practiced it neither did the apostles teach it.

      I think you have a certain bias and believe that God is more interested in the amount one gives than with the heart with which one gives it. The bible never stipulates that giving at least 10% shows generosity. And where do you get the idea that people use grace as a reason not to give? That is definitely setting the tone for legalism.

      With regards to the 1%, do you remember how much the poor widow dropped into the coffers of the temple? And what was Jesus reaction; “it is not up to 10% therefore you haven’t given generously!” Nope, instead Jesus commended her for even giving in her poverty. 1% may not mean a lot to you but could mean a lot to someone else and this God sees and rewards. And if Paul had at least 10% in mind when he was encouraging the church at Corinth to give, he would definitely have cut to the chase and said so, but instead he said “anything you give is acceptable as far as you give it willingly and cheerfully”.

      The simple gist of your post is; those that are against the tithe are against it because they do not want to give generously and would much rather hide behind grace so as to give pittance. It is sad to even think this. If God can convict a sinner that he repents and gives his life to Christ, what makes you think that God cannot speak to this same repentant sinner to give x amount? Do you think God would need men to put giving standards in place to make people give? Sounds like the problem in the Galatian church if you ask me.

      I think you are trying to address the giving habits of people but rather than pulling out this 10% guideline which does not even exist in scripture, why not just encourage people to give as much as they can?

      And the tithe was never 10% of anything but A TENTH, this so-called 10% tithe is absolutely man-made.
      Tony Isaac recently posted..The Mark of the beast Part 1My Profile

      • Jame

        Tony,

        Deuteronomy 14:22 “Be sure to set aside a TENTH of all that your firls produce each year.”

        Rob,
        Thank you for this SPOT ON insight into the ‘heart’ behind giving.
        Jame recently posted..Church Bankrupcy: Learning From Our MistakesMy Profile

        • http://www.eliteinchrist.wordpress.com Tony Isaac

          Jame,

          I think I just said that!
          Tony Isaac recently posted..The Mark of the beast Part 1My Profile

  • http://dollarsanddoctrine.com Rob @ dollars and doctrine

    I have to admit…I am a little confused.

    - I never said tithing was required.
    - I never said God cares more about the amount.
    - I never said giving 10% implies generosity.
    - I never said God expects a certain amount.
    - I never said the tithe is the new standard for giving.
    - I never said that tithing saves you or blesses you.

    I think I just used the word “tithe” and opened up a can of worms. I think we agree on a WHOLE LOT more than we disagree on. Go to dollarsanddoctrine.com and read some of my posts on giving.

    Personally, I don’t think there is anything wrong with “A heart that has sought the Lord with honesty and decided to set apart 10% to God’s work based on the instruction of the Old Testament” and calling that contribution a “tithe”. That is what I meant by the terminology. I think the word, for you, obviously meant something completely different.

    All that being said, I still believe we are missing something when we use the NT instructions for our money to justify giving diddly squat (which–sadly–describes the condition of the many of American Christians.)
    Rob @ dollars and doctrine recently posted..Church Bankrupcy: Learning From Our MistakesMy Profile

    • http://dollarsanddoctrine.com rob @ dollars and doctrine

      Maybe a better way to word it would be- “I still believe we are missing something when we use the New Testament’s LACK of a required contribution as an excuse to SLACK on our giving.”

      and- reading back over this, saying the tithe for you, “obviously meant something completely different” came out wrong. What I meant is that I understand that you use the term literally- “a tenth” of agricultural produce and livestock within Israel. But APPLYING THE PRINCIPLE of the tithe and deciding (willingly, not under compulsion or legalism) to give 10% is what I was discussing. <- It just seems to have struck a chord when I called this a "tithe".

      • http://www.eliteinchrist.wordpress.com Tony Isaac

        Hi Rob,

        I really do not intend to argue backwards and forwards but with each response you give you just raise more questions.

        *What is the principle of the tithe that you are promoting? Is it a biblical principle?

        *If the bible calls the tithe a tenth of agricultural produce, how can I then be taking this term literally? What other way can I view this term?

        I find all that you are saying very confusing. And there is simply no way that a heart that had sought the Lord would arrive at 10% based on the instruction of the Old Testament because such a 10% guideline does not exist. If it did am sure Paul would not have made this statement – Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have (2 Cor 8: 12).

        I still think what you saying is heavily laced with legalism with you trying to set a giving standard outside of the bible. If people do not of their own accord decide to give generously, what makes you think disguising this “tithe” in any way would change that? Even if American Christians use the New Testament to justify giving diddly squat (God knows where you get this idea) why do you think it falls within your remit to make sure that they give more by promoting this so called principle?

        If you feel you must adhere to a 10% giving standard, that you must do but you shouldn’t try to hold everyone else to this standard and say it is from the Lord.
        Tony Isaac recently posted..The Mark of the beast Part 1My Profile

  • http://www.onemoneydesign.com Jason Price

    Rob, I really appreciate this post and your perspective on giving. I’ve read it 3-4 times now.

    I find the subject of giving an interesting topic. The money we are provided belongs to God. He’s trusted us with a certain amount to manage wisely for His purposes (not ours). I struggle sometimes doing what I want to do with the money versus seeking God’s will. God has a plan for this money and we should ask Him what it is we should do with it.

    God, how can I use this money to honor and serve you? Personally, I believe the answer to this prayer for my wife and I was to never give less than 10% to His kingdom purposes. This was not an easy decision as it required sacrifice. Debt had to be paid off and spending needed to be reduced. And, we had to grow our faith. Interestingly, once we began this faithful journey with God, He’s called us to give more and He’s provided us the resources to do so.

    I love to give. I want to give more. The more I give to God the less control I have over my finances and the more faith I put in Him to take care of my family. I pray that all believers have a heart to seek God in their giving and desire to give more and more to Him out of their love and faith.

  • http://dollarsanddoctrine.com rob @ dollars and doctrine

    Tony,

    First off, I want to say I have enjoyed the dialogue but this is my “final statement”. I urge you to reply with your “closing argument” and then we can both ride off into the sunset. I don’t want to continue going back and forth to no end. So, here we go:

    1. I never once endorsed tithing or said that tithing is what Christians are supposed to do. Go back, read my post. Where do I say- “start tithing” or “everyone needs to give 10%/a tenth”? I only said that there is nothing wrong with a Christian, who in his heart, has decided to give that way. I was showing that the NT commands for our giving, in my opinion, when approached with honesty, will lead most people to give far more than a tenth. I find it very difficult to approach the NT instructions for our money and walk away being ok with giving 1%, 5%…. I know adding numbers tempts us towards legalism- But I never said- “Here is the percent you should give”. I just challenged believers to take time to think about whether or not giving 5% and keeping 95% for ourselves lives up to the calling of scripture.

    2. Here is what I mean by tithe. True, in the Old Testament a tithe was a tenth of agricultural production/livestock for the Levites/House of the Lord (oversimplification, I know). As a Christian, believing that the Old Testament is still God’s word and still written for our instruction (Rom. 3:31, 15:4), I believe we are free take the principle of the tithe and apply it to our life. Since we aren’t farmers, and we aren’t giving to the Levites, what concept can we see in this instruction–in essence, what is the Lord’s heart in this command? I believe that a Christian may logically conclude that they are going to give a tenth of their income (product of their hands) to the Lords’ work/church. There is nothing wrong at all with a Christian coming to this conclusion. If a pastor says this is what his congregants MUST do, then that is wrong, legalistic, and man-made (as you have pointed out). But, I think the practice of committing a tenth of our productivity to the Lord’s work based on the Old Testament model is perfectly acceptable. (again, all of this with a willing heart.)

    3. I NEVER tried to set a new giving standard (percentage wise that is). All I said was that: “the New Testament commands Christians to give generously, liberally, sacrificially, secretively, willingly, and proportionally (and all of this from a pure heart)”.

    4. A more literal translation of the verse from Corinthians is “For if the readiness is present, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have.” (NASB) In the context of the letter, Paul is making the statement to the Corinthians that – if you are willing and able, then give. And we could surmise the converse- if you aren’t willing or aren’t able, then don’t give. Taking the soundbyte “whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly” and running with it is dangerous. Balanced with the surrounding context and the rest of the New Testament, I don’t think that the new covenant standard of giving is: “Whatever you want, as long as you do it willingly”. I know that is not what you meant, but it seems the natural direction to take it. And it seems to cater towards the modern culture of – if it feels right then it is right. I agree that Christians should not give unwillingly (out of pressure and legalism, perhaps from a tithe-commanding pastor). But to swing all the way to the end that you should just give whatever you feel like giving is going too far. Because of sin, we will always tend towards selfishness with our money.

    It seems that, because we are both wreck-less sinners saved by grace, maybe I drift slightly towards legalism, and maybe you drift slightly towards license. And God has put us both together to help balance each other out. I really do respect your passion and attention to understanding God’s word accurately. You seem very intelligent and I encourage you to continue to comment on my posts.

    Rob

    • http://www.eliteinchrist.wordpress.com Tony Isaac

      Hi Rob,

      Let me paint a scenario and I will leave it at this – Let’s imagine that there is a single mother with 3 kids who earns about $2100 each month. She spends $1400 a month for rent, another £200 a month for utilities, $250 on feeding, $200 on car maintenance and is left with $50 from which she squeezes out $30 for offering and is left with $20 as savings or for contingencies. Would you say she has not been generous with her giving because she’s only been able to give about 1.4% of her earnings?

      You do seem to have a certain bias which I do not think is a very healthy position to be in. Generosity is relative and you shouldn’t determine who has been generous and who has not from your perspective. How can you say giving what you like is taking it too far? This gives me the impression that you are pushing for a minimum giving standard. You might say you are not endorsing the tithe but your views say otherwise.

      I will leave you now, God bless.
      Tony Isaac recently posted..The Mark of the beast – Part 1My Profile

  • Terry

    All this personal finance stuff can be bewildering to a poor person.

    If you’re living on a poverty level income and paying half your income on rent, is 10 percent a realistic giving standard? If you also have debt, can you repay it and tithe at the same time? Can you afford to insure against the risks of life (can you afford health insurance)? Can you realistically build an emergency fund and save for the future? Should you just wing it without an emergency fund and plod ahead on faith? If you have family, can you provide for them, and can you leave them any financial resources when you die?

  • http://dollarsanddoctrine.com rob @ dollars and doctrine

    For those of you subscribed to this comment feed –

    I attempted to answer the question- “Should poor people give?” on my blog:

    http://dollarsanddoctrine.com/2010/11/01/should-poor-people-give/

    And my next guest post on OMD will be a position paper on tithing.
    rob @ dollars and doctrine recently posted..Should poor people giveMy Profile

  • http://www.jocelinboutet.com Jocelin Boutet

    This has been an interesting read for me.

    Rob, I agree that while the New Testament doesn’t directly deny or confirm the tithe as in a 10%, that should be our minimum standard.

    I’d like to add in another piece to this puzzle, what about the statement where Jesus (Yeshua) said “I come not to destroy but to fulfill the law.” There are two things we can drown out of this statement. He did not destroy or do away with the law. And two, he fulfilled it which means he gave it more meaning.

    Using that statement, I believe we can soundly deduce that the tithe of 10% is where we are to start and as believers in the Messiah, we should not only be giving of our money, but of our time and talents with a joyful and generous spirit. If we are able to give more, give more too!

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  • BobCat

    I’m coming to this months after the original post, but just read through it all, and the comments.

    Regarding Rob’s “final post” comment:

    “I was showing that the NT commands for our giving, in my opinion, when approached with honesty, will lead most people to give far more than a tenth. I find it very difficult to approach the NT instructions for our money and walk away being ok with giving 1%, 5%…. I know adding numbers tempts us towards legalism- But I never said- “Here is the percent you should give”. I just challenged believers to take time to think about whether or not giving 5% and keeping 95% for ourselves lives up to the calling of scripture.”

    Here you are personally stating a judgment/view/opinion that X% (where X seems to equal anything below 10%) is not something that “most people (Christians)” would be OK with – and is not “the calling of scripture.”

    also, from your original post:

    “Those who are passionately against the continued teaching of the “old testament tithe” but give far less than it requires need to reflect honestly over the following question: “Should someone who gives so little be handing out advice on generosity?””

    In both posts the implication is that giving X$ (where X=anything less than 10%) is giving “so little.”

    Man, it’s no wonder Christians get a guilt complex! First of all who is to say that giving X (and I use X to mean any percentage, and I do mean any percentage) is “so little” and “not what a true Christian should be ok with.”

    Giving $5000 cheerfully, and as God lays on your heart, and out of your ability, is wonderful (and a lot of money) weather you’re a family that makes $120,000/year or $50,000. Praise God.

    My goal is to (cheerfully) give 10%+. However, I’m self employed and usually don’t know exactly what I’ve made in a year, until 3-5 months after year end. In the old days I thought that if I didn’t hit that 10%, God couldn’t bless me, and I was sinning. Because after all, if the tithe is a law for us, it’s a law for us. So, when I ran the numbers at year end one time, and I saw that oh no, it only worked out to 9.2%, I’d be thinking, Oh no, I’ve failed God, and he won’t bless me.
    And all this is wrong thinking.

    Here’s my bottom line. IF tithing (defined as giving 10%) is a rule, law, or guide for the Christian, then giving less, is a SIN.
    One must be willing to say then that giving, say 7% is a sin. Are you willing to say that?

    All the new Testament scriptures for the Christian’s instruction on giving have been given above. So I won’t quote them here. But give generously and give cheerfully! Yes I think true Christians will likely be very different from the 80% of “Christians” who give “diddly squat” as Tony put it (funny).

    It may be a better question to ask if “Christians” who are giving “diddly squat” are true Christians at all. But to say that they are sinning, or not following the calling of scripture, if they for example, cheerfully gave $9,000 one year, and they made $120,000, is not something I’m willing to say.