On Christians Tithing: Biblical Mandate or Liturgical Cash Grab?

Does the tithe really apply to Christians?

Annie Spratt

Did you know I write a monthly article for my email subscribers?

This month we're talking about tithing in the context of the New Covenant. Here's how the article begins:

In 2017 Southern Baptist organization, Lifeway, surveyed American churchgoers about tithing. 83% of respondents agreed that the tithe is a Biblical command that still applies today. And yet, only 54% said they give at least a tenth of their income to their church.

Why the discrepancy?

Everyone struggles with his or her own issues, and, no doubt one of those issues centers around money in the same way that others struggle with lust or anger or alcohol. After all, as Paul reminds us, “The love of money is a root of all kinds of evils” (1 Tim. 6:10).

But I think there's another wrinkle here to account for the disparity between money and mouth, so to speak. Maybe a good amount of those 29% of people don't actually believe tithing is a biblical mandate. They might say they do, and even think they believe it, but their actions tell a different story.

So the question becomes is tithing a new covenant mandate, or is it just some liturgical hoax pastors employ to ensure revenue?
 

If you'd like to read the rest, enter your email address below and click the button. It's totally free to sign up and just takes a moment.

.

I send out two to three emails per month, and you can unsubscribe at any time. I will never share or sell your info either.

Until next time,

Andrew

4 C. S. Lewis Quotes That Will Convince You He Owned a Time Machine

It's like he peered straight into the future.


Frank V.


In 21st century Christian circles, the name C. S. Lewis is commonplace, teetering on the edge of cliché. One cannot go far without seeing his words quoted, pinned, and tweeted.

But not without good reason.

Lewis has earned his renown due to volumes of insightful and relatable thoughts on God and the Christian life. Whether through fiction such as The Chronicles of Narnia or through apologetic works like Mere Christianity and The Great Divorce, Lewis had a knack for simplifying complex Christian theology and philosophy. Believe me, that's hard to do.

Nevertheless what astounds me most about Lewis is how forward thinking his writing is. If you remember my 2019 reading list, you know I read a collection Lewis's sermons and speeches called The Weight of Glory.[1] The latest of these he gave in 1956, nearly 70 years ago as I write this, and yet certain passages make it seem as if he were peering into the future and speaking directly to the situation as it stands today.

Let me show you just four of these, and you'll see what I mean. Note: All of the following come from The Weight of Glory, but one could just as easily pick up Mere Christianity or any of his other books and probably find many more to add to this list.

The Enemy of Faith (It's Not What You Think)

The greatest barrier to faith isn't doubt.


Did you know I write a monthly article for my email subscribers?

This month we're talking about the primary obstacle to faith in our lives. Here's how the article begins:

If you were to ask someone on the street what the opposite of faith is, he or she might say it is doubt.

I disagree.

In fact, I think doubt is a healthy part of the faith equation. Those who never doubt the religious advice of others end up brainwashed and burned to death in a Waco, Texas compound, or protesting military funerals and holding signs proclaiming, "God hates gays."

God fashioned human beings in his own image. Part of that image is the ability to reason. No other terrestrial creatures have such abilities.

...

So if doubt isn't the opposite of faith what is?

If you'd like to read the rest, enter your email address below and click the button. It's totally free to sign up and just takes a moment.

.

I send out two to three emails per month, and you can unsubscribe at any time. I will never share or sell your info either.

Until next time,

Andrew