Why I do not pay Tithe

Couple of days ago, my wife told me to tune in to a popular radio program. I tuned in, and interestingly, they were discussing paying of tithes and if it was right or wrong to make sure pastors were accountable for the tithes and offerings that members of worship centres pay. (This is a standard practice in many Worship Centres and denominations popularly called “Churches”, which isn’t very accurate and is quite a misleading term). Well, I heard a few answers that made me laugh, made me angry, and some that were quite emetic. So after dragging my feet for a while, I decided I would write on the subject.

Here is a small foundation for what follows next: After being atheist for a short while, I decided to surrender Lordship of my life to Christ. The implication is that I decided to live according to his word alone, not according to what is popular or generally accepted – even if it is unpleasant or makes me uncomfortable. So sometimes, I would do what a lot of people are doing in the worship of my Lord and many other times, I go in the opposite direction of what people who say they have made him Lord practice. 

This is simply because I am only interested in doing what I can see in the written word and what he speaks into my heart – which will always align with the written word. Finally, I am not advocating people mirror what I am doing; that would lead to error in the long run. The only One we are called to follow is the Lamb…wherever he goes. Also, I am not perfect and have major failings in many areas of my life – but in areas where God has been kind to show me the way and given me grace and strength, I have chosen to walk the path without sentiments, or the fear of loss of family and/or friends.

*Exhales*

Now, on to the subject at hand; Tithing.

To start, tithing is NOT the same as giving or a free-will offering. It is the practice of giving 10% of earnings or income to a religious body, which is supposedly in line with the Laws given to Israel by God. Originally, the purpose of the tithe was to sustain the Levites who were representatives (and mediators) between God and the Israelites – and in this role they (Levites and Priests) ruled, gave directions and performed religious rites. 

They were NOT allowed to work on farms or do any other job. Hence the tithes were received as a form of sustenance. (Numbers 18:21 - 24)  It is interesting to note that they also paid tithe as well. (Numbers 18: 26 -28)In addition to that, there is also the argument that people who pay tithe should not ask Pastors or spiritual leaders what has been done with the money. This in itself is false teaching as each Israelite was meant to ensure they made personal arrangement for widows and orphans (Deuteronomy 14: 28 – 29). It was not meant to be a function left to the Priest and Levites. 

(Actually, the total amount paid as tithe in a year by the average Israeli has been calculated by some scholars to be about 23% of their income and not 10%, but that discussion is for another day and is not the focus of this article.)

For the New Testament follower of the Lord Jesus, the tithe is an obsolete practice that is often enforced because many have decided that without collection (and often, forceful and manipulative extraction) of the tithe, the “Churches”, which are actually religious enterprises, would simply shut down, because all organizations and corporations require money to ensure continuity of their processes.

I use these terms because religious enterprises, these days, are largely (though not in their entirety) run to model secular business enterprises. Hence, cash flow is critical, taxation and expenditure must be minimised, policies (or rules) are in place to ensure a docile pool of individuals that will project the organisational brand – and act in a uniform manner in order to conform to the norms and status quo of each denominational direction, which are as diverse as their logos, slogans and modes of worship. Somehow, the advocacy of the ardent pursuit of Jesus, above all else, which is the most important element, has been lost in the mix.  

For those willing to be honest, I will point out 10 of several holes in the argument for the tithes which are based solely on scripture. Now, I hear some people say things like “No one can understand the bible because it is mysterious”. The bible says otherwise: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness…” (2 Timothy 3:16) God gave us eyes to see, legs to walk and genitals to pee. He also gave us brains to think and a mind to be used to meditate! (Joshua 1:8, Psalm 1:2, Psalm 119:48, 1 Tim 4:15)  (Sadly, many worship centres are robbing their members of the extremely critical ability to think, question and meditate.) 

So, as long as the scripture is also available in a language you understand, either as text or an audio version, it is able to instruct you on how to live – if you are unbiased…

1.       Why do people who talk about tithing never talk about the tithe where God says you should use the money to buy anything you like including strong drink (alcohol), food so you can have a feast and eat it all up with your family and those around you? (Deuteronomy 12: 17 – 21; 14: 22 – 26)

2.       If tithing is a “principle” to be followed since Abraham tithed before the Law and we are children of Abraham, why do we not also perform animal sacrifices which he also did before the Law? (Genesis 15:9 – 14) (In the next part of this article, we will examine what he actually paid as “tithe”)

3.       When Malachi is cited as a reason for tithe, which “house of God” is it referring to, since in the New Testament, believers are the houses of God? (1 Corinthians 3:16 – 19; 2 Corinthians 6:16)

4.       If the New Testament Christians in Acts had all things in common, from which portion would the tithe have been removed from – and to whom would they pay it to? (Acts 4:32 – 35)

5.       In all his instructions to the churches in several regions, why did Paul not give instructions on tithing but on freely giving as you purpose in your heart – and why was he working to meet his needs in addition to getting offerings? (2 Corinthians 9:7; 2 Corinthians 16: 1 -2;  Romans 15:24 – 26; Acts 18: 1 – 4)

6.       Who do people who advocate tithing never point to the fact that there were several types of tithes and that some people were “tithe-exempt” as tithe was NOT money? (There was money at the time: Shekels) Why do they not point out that there was a penalty for trying to use money: A fifth part or 20%?! (Deuteronomy 14: 22 - 23;  Leviticus 27: 5, 27 – 34; 2 Chronicles 31: 5 -6)

7.       Why did Jesus never talk about giving tithe in the New Testament but only as part of the practice of the Law by the Pharisees? (Matthew 23:23)

8.       Why do people say the “Pastor” (another misused term) is not be asked for how the tithe (and offerings) are used when God demanded each Israelite was to be responsible for taking care of the widows, orphans and priests in their communities? (Deuteronomy 14: 28 -29)

9.       If the tithe was a means of TAXATION to a people who had no King and were ruled by the Priesthood, now that people pay TAX under a different system of government, why are people still asked to pay tithe?

10.   If tithes were paid to the Priests in the Old testament, and in the New Testament, we are told that God has made us ALL Kings and Priests, why is tithe still collected for the “Pastor” and “workers” who are erroneously referred to as Priests and Levites – which is a throwback to Paganism and not “Christianity” where a few are in charge as opposed to ALL being Brethren? (Revelations 1:6; Revelations 5:10;  Romans 8:29; Hebrews 2: 9-11; 1 Timothy 2:5)

In the next part I will go into these points in some more detail and then look at the often touted concept of how tithing is supposed to be critical in “rebuking the devourer”.

Strength and Honour

To be continued…