Aloha, Amigos!
Today I shall share my honest view
on a very controversial topic that has been thousands of years ago. It is no
other matter than tithe. I have seen people argue without end about its
validity and effectiveness. That is, there are some who do not want to hear
about it at all while there are others who consider it okay, but just outdated.
Between these two groups are many modified schools of thoughts.
I owe my faithful friends here this
post. I understand some people need somebody who is ready to really give an
objective and practical opinion on this. Many times has it crossed my mind to
share this but there has always been one delay or another. However, I decided
this time that until I share my views on this, I shall not post a single letter
on this blog!
So here we are today as I shall
really be going in-depth and touching (while torching) every dark nook and
cranny. Before we get to the really meaty part, let us first enjoy the basic
delicious tenderloins Are you ready? Let’s do this!
WHAT IS
TITHE ALL ABOUT AGAIN?
Tithe simply is a one-tenth fraction
of something, usually incomes and profits, given out for a cause, be it
religious or otherwise. By otherwise, I do not mean anti-religious. I simply
mean ‘other than religious.’ This is why some Government, like the Italian
Government, might have a tithing system, after a fashion.
WHAT
RELIGIONS HAVE TO SAY
As early as the Ancient religions,
we have many citations of Tithes being paid back in the millenniums.
Babylonian:
Before we get to the obvious
citations in the Jewish Scrolls, instances of Mesopotamian tithe, called The Masretu, were recorded in The Assyrian Dictionary of the Oriental
Institute of The University of Chicago, Vol 4 “E”.
An excerpt is:
“… The tithe of the chief accountant, he
has delivered it to [the sun-god] Shamash.”
“four minas of silver, the tithe of [the
gods] Bel, Nabu, and Nergal]”
And more… But then, unless Uncle
Nathan (or someone else, for that matter) bequeathed one of such books to you,
you have to fill forms to get access to that. *Shrugs*
Judaism:
On the other hand, The Jewish
instances are not really that hidden, are they? Grab the nearest Bible and
flick through the pages and you have many of those. Let me start from that
Great man Abraham.
“Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out Bread and Wine [Jesus did
something similar, didn’t he?]. He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed
Abram… then, Abram [As that was his name before he was blessed] gave him a
tenth of Everything.”
-Genesis 14:18-20.
His Grandson, Jacob, after receiving
a brand new blessing also promised God a tenth of all he has.
“Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely
the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it”… Then Jacob made a vow,
saying, “If God be with me… Of all that you give me I will give a full tenth to
you.”
-Genesis 28:12-22.
And then, the gem which, as you
might have guessed, is from the third chapter of the book of Malachi where God
said said,
“Bring the full tithe into the storehouse,
that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the
Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down
for you a blessing until there is no more need. I will rebuke the devourer for
you… Then all nations would call you blessed…”
-Malachi 3: 8-12
Apocrypha:
Do you know Tobit? You would if you
have read the Book of Tobit. Tobit was an Israelite that lived around the time
of the Babylonian captivity. He recorded,
“I would often go by myself to Jerusalem… I would give the
first tenth of my grain, wine, olive oil, pomegranates, figs …as Deborah my
grandmother had taught me.”
-Tobit 1:6-8
Christianity:
The Christians, as you know, also
use the Jewish Bible. The Catholics also read the Apocrypha. In addition to
those, we have the New Testament.
Matthew recorded Jesus’ words when
he was addressing the Pharisees,
“Away with you, you pettifogging Pharisee
lawyers! [LOL! I love Jesus!] You give to God a tenth of herbs, like mint,
dill, and cumin, but the important duties of the Law – judgement, mercy,
honesty – you have neglected. Yet these you ought to have performed, without neglecting the others [Tithe,
that is].”
- Matthew 23:23
A parallel of this could also be
found in Luke 11:42. And, No, the Pharisees were not called “pettifogging”
there. Woe was only declared unto them – From Frying Pan to Fire.
Then, the Hebrews 7:1-10 refers to
the Genesis 14, where Abraham paid Melchizedek his tithe, hinting at how good
it is and, though it was not a direct order, the continuance of it was obvious.
Islam:
Islam has its equivalent too, known
as the Zakat. This is how Zakat works. Even some Muslims might be
surprised that they do might learn some things they had been missing in the
past.
Zakat is one of the five basic
pillars of Islam, focused at giving to Charity. According to the book, Meezan, by Javed Ahmed Ghamidi, Zakat is payable on three kinds of
assets – Wealth, Production, and Animals.
It basically involves one-fourtieth,
also 2.5%, of one’s personal accumulated wealth. Production, on the other hand,
is subject to a 10% or 5% Zakat.
In fact, Islam holds this so high
and pairs it with another important pillar of the faith, which is the
5-times-a-day prayer. To buttress the point, The 2nd Edition of the Encyclopaedia of Islam states that “the
prayers of those who do not pay Zakat will
not be accepted.”
**********************************
I would not want to burden us with
details, as you could find the other instances just by using your favourite
Google. So, let us move on, shall we?
WHERE
THE PROBLEM STARTED
Most people would not bother to
argue about the validity of tithes in the olden days. What many have something
with (or against) is whether this still applies today as it did back then.
There are those who also believe it
is a figment induced by human greed, as surely God could not really come to
spend our Nairas, Dollars and whatever currency our country favours.
Let me start from the rear.
True, Tithes are used by humans. In
fact tithes are usually used in this way: Charity for the poor and remuneration
of the Clerics. And while most good people would see sense when money is given
out appropriately to the poor in need of it, a lot disagree with that of the
Men of God.
As a point, Clerics have been
reported as misappropriating lots of church funds. If these people are doing
this, why should they be paid? And then, why should we pay them when they could
go to work too? Seriously, these people should really go out and work since it
was God that gave them a duty to perform, and not us, right?
As I am a Christian, I would try to
be objective. Yet, my opinion would be backed by the Bible. Do not panic; it is all educative and fun yet.
As per whether the Clerics deserve a
pay or not, Apostle Paul’s letter to Timothy was clear about it.
“Let the elders who rule well be considered
worthy of double honour, especially those who labour in preaching and teaching.
For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the
grain,” and “The labourer deserves his wages.”
- 1 Timothy 5:17-18.
And about the money is used
appropriately or not, I would personally not worry. You know why? This deal is
between you and God, not between you and men. In the first place, we should not
do it for men’s reward. So why worry to death about how they decide to use it?
Anyway, we should try and
prayerfully find a church where tithes are used rightly. This would mean we
have done our best to do that which God commanded. That is one.
I would also want to say that the
tithe is actually meant for us. That is, when we pay tithes we are actually
paying ourselves. The blessings we get from tithing is so great that those not
paying could not start to fathom how much they are losing, no matter how rich
they are already.
Tithe helps us in many ways:
- It helps us receive
more blessings from God… Malachi 3:8-12 really shed more light upon this
type of blessing.
- It prevents
unforeseen losses…
Malachi 3:8-12 also sheds more light.
- It helps reduce our
carnal mind to be selfish… Well, common sense tells us that when we happily
cultivate the habit of giving happily and unselfishly to God, it spreads
to the other areas of our lives steadily.
- It helps open the
flow…
Giving naturally opens the flow that ensures us receiving good things. Let
me explain: This Life is a Cycle. Well, check – Life Cycle, Hydrogen
Cycle, Nitrogen Cycle, Water Cycle etc.
Cycles has one simple
rule to maintain balance: for there to be steady input, there must be steady
output too. In essence, to receive you have to give. There is no shortcut.
- You Not Only Become
Wealthier; You Become Healthier as well…
This might sound
ridiculous, but if you are sick or just want sound health, if you want
improvement in any way of life, start giving. Now what is the first place to
start but from tithing? God- Ordained Tithing.
Think of it this way. You are the
one gaining. If there is something that has so much gains that it would only be
sensible to have our bite of it, would you not want to grab such an
opportunity?
If someone does, finds it indeed
super-beneficial and decide to share this with his friends and everyone, would
you say such a person is bad?
Please Do Not Forget to share this posts with your Friends. Sharing is Caring!
Well personally, i don't believe in the payment of tithes at this present time. If you really want to help, there are lots of poor and needy persons out there who cannot afford daily bread. Help these ones. That is what i call true generosity rather than enriching pockets of the leaders while you trek to church daily
ReplyDeleteThanks for Commenting, Michelle. About paying tithes to foot the Clerics' bill, would you not rather do your part and receive your blessing? I explained this better in the post.
DeleteAnd, No, Tithe does not stop General Charity - In fact, it is the foundation.
Hoping to see you around! Thanks!
Hmm, may God safe us....... Thanks for calling the attention
ReplyDeleteAmen, Slimzeey. It's a pleasure being of service.
DeleteHey, michelle, payin of tithe is said in the bible. Why dont pay your tithe and let God do theirs.
ReplyDeleteGood Post here. Ya r doing a great job here.
I completely agree with you, Moses! Thanks for the insightful comment and compliment. Hoping to see you more around.
Delete1) Tithe is not money. Its 10% of deir havest either plants & livestocks. (2) It was condemned by Jesus in those passages u quoted. (3) It was jewish law meant 4 levites. Is ur pastor/bishop a levi? (4) The levi had no inheritance. D tithe was food 4 dem on whc they take 10% & burnt d oda 90% to God. Is dat done in churches 2day? Dont pastors hv posesions & businesses 2day? (5) the OT command tithe. But it also command killin of homosexuals, adulterers, etc (Lev 20). If we must tithe, den we nust kill. Xtains are loosed 4rm d old law by d death of Jesus & are guided by the N.T. (heb 8-10). (6) if tithes is 4 d priests & xtains are priests, den wu do d tithe go to? (1 Pt 2:9) (7) we are to give but not as tithe. D bible say give as u wish & (2 cor 9:6-14). But tithe is a command/law. The benchmark- the more u give, the more u receive (givers neva lack).
ReplyDeleteVery Constructive Debate, Martins - I love it! I would take each question now and try to do justice. First know that I have answered many of the questions already, but no matter. Let's hit it.
Delete1. Tithe stands for the tenth of one's increase. That is, if you are 5000 richer, you pay 500. This could also be rewards from your businesses. You can re-read the subsection I call Judaism and then Islam, Or Just read Genesis 14 and 28 again.
2. Actually, Jesus said it should not be neglected. You can read Matthew 23:23 again and Luke 11:42.
3. The Levites were chosen to Stand for the whole Isrealites. As today, we are the new sons of Abraham and the new Isrealites, sure, the chosen among us are the Levites - Viz-a-Viz Pastors.
4. Very well, There are many pastors who do have thriving businesses. There are a whole lot too who only manage to go by. The well-to-do percentage has been hyped.
Anyway, this does not stop us from doing for them what is due. Just like Paul said in 1 Timothy 5: 17-18, the labourer deserves his wages.
5. You are right, We are loosed from laws. But not for Anarchy. Jesus Christ came to Accomplish the laws, not Abolish them. In fact, He gave laws that were before. For example the 10 Commandment was streamlined into 2, and then 1.
The 1 is Love, which we are made to know covers all sins. About Tithe, The New Testament still hints at it. In fact many did far more. Acts of Apostles, Chapter 5 is an example.
Also re-read Answer No 2 above. Then that same letter to the Hebrews you quoted; Chapter 7:1-10, Hinting at its relevance and Continuance.
6. Just as every man is a prophet and yet has ordained prophets, and every man is a god and yet worships God; There is hierachy in Priesthood. It might interest you to know that Pastors pay tithes too. Yeah, Go figure. :)
7. You are very right there - We are to give! Not just that; we are to Give Cheerfully! You see that? Giving is Recommended, but where in that Chapter did you see Tithes Condemned? None, Brother.
We pay our Tithes and Receive Promised Blessings. We also Give More for Added Blessings. It is such a Profitable Business, really.
Now, let me give you a hint: Most people who don't want to pay their tithes still find it hard to give Cheerfully, after all. And you are right again; why should Tithe be a duty when we are the ones benefitting most?
Tithe is God's Gift! Let's Enjoy it by returning it to Him.
We are Blessed. Oh, What a Life!
Pointing to your quote here “the prayers of those who do not pay Zakat will not be accepted.”
ReplyDeletei only believe zakat is right for those who are capable i.e like those who make like 100k in a month to divide it into 10/20 and pay zakat with with 1 out of the 10.
If prayers of who doesn't pay zakat will not be accepted, what will happen to the youths who has nothing or the fathers with less to feed their family.
Aseize, Just as I mentioned earlier in the post under subsection Islam, Zakat basically involves one-fourtieth, also 2.5%, of one’s personal
Deleteaccumulated wealth. Production, on the other hand, is subject to a
10% or 5% Zakat .
Therefore, it applies to your wealth, not your school fees. A kid given a pocket money of 100 naira would then do good to pay the tithe of 10. That simple.
I do not know if you are a Christian. However, in The Holy Bible, The Gospel of LUKE 21: 1-4 explained this perfectly.
Jesus saw some rich people dropping big sums in the Temple's Treasury, then he saw a poor widow drop two little copper coins worth a penny.
He turned to his Disciples and said unto them, "I tell you that this poor widow put in more than all the others. For the others offered gifts from what they had to spare of their riches; but she, poor as she is, gave all she had to live on."
I quoted this Bible Verse for you to know it is not about bringing Billions of Dollars. It is about paying the tenth gladfully, be it a pound or a penny, and getting greater rewards from God.
There are many Bible verses to back this up, but that should suffice.
Alright, Alright... Luke 19: 11-27 would also make for an interesting and enlightening read. :)
Aloha!
Hello,
ReplyDeleteWell god knows everything and devils knows how we fail. Overall we need to work on to overcome issues of devil.
Thanks for the article I we have to overcome issues of the device Vicky is right azoka
ReplyDeleteIts not a bad idea to contribute the tenth part of our income to a religious organization. But we should help poor and needy people instead of giving money to a religious organization.
ReplyDelete~Diana
I apologize 4 late reply [1] D msg in Mt 23:23 & Lk 11:42 are unclear 2 me but i'll research on it. But i thk ur interpretion z invalid. (a) Jesus sed dey pay tithe (mint, anise & cumin are plants). Usin cumon sense, twill b absurd 2 say "& not leave d oda undone" refer 2 tithe whc as Jesus sed, dey alredi do. (b) but asumin he was telin dem 2 pay tithe, dey were jews not xtains & tithe was a comand 2 dem. At dat tym, Jesus was a jew. Take acct wen he 2d dem "gv 2 caesar". He was unda d old law whc he fulfiled & abolishd by dyin on d cross 2 establish d new law- of salvation & xtainity. See pt(5) below
ReplyDelete[2] D church/ xtainity startd on pentecost day (Acts 2). 4rm dere 2 Rev, deres no comand 2 pay/acct of any1 payin tithe. D early xtains sold land & gv d moni & shared all dey had 2 d church thus dey had all tinz in comon & none lacked. Evn a Levite sold land 2 gv d church- Acts 4:32-37. Moni given was use not 4 d apostles/ elders but 4 evrybody. Datz not hw d law of tithe goes. Deirs was far beta & as u ritely sed, dey gv more dan 10%. Datz cuz dey wrnt folowin d law of tithe. Rember d widow mite, Jesus sed she gv ALL she had & praise ha but cursed d pharises who pd tithe. Also rembr his reply 2 d rich yung man who obeyd d old law- includin tithe. So 2 please him, we shud gv lyk d widow. Datz hw d early xtains gave.
[3] we cnt rilly draw a concl dat 1 Tim 5:17-18 refer 2 tithe. Obviously if i wrk in chevron, i desrve 2 b paid by chevrn but i dnt hv ryt 2 demnd 10% of deir revenue, dey decide d amt 2 pay me. We wrk 4 Jesus & he determin our pay via blesings. Same with d church- d members determin d laborers pay. Jesus & d apostles didnt take tithe, dey were volunterily sponsored, pd wages & given hospitality- Jn 8:1-3, Rom 16:1-2& 23, 2 Cor 11:7-9,12:14-21, Phil 4:10-18, 2:15 nor did Jesus tithe deir money kept by Judas.
ReplyDelete[4] Dere are 4 kinds of tithes. (1) regular tithes 2 d levites (2) tithe of tithes pd by d levites 4rm tithes dey recevd 2 d sons of Aaron, of whc dey eat of & burn d rest. Num 18:21-30, Neh 12:44-47, 10:37-39 (3) yearly tithe 4 him, family & levites Deut 14:22-23 (4) evry 3 yrs tithe 4 widows, strangers, orhans & levites Deut 14:28-29. So if we must tithe, we must do all 4 & as directed by d law, dnt 4get d burnin
[5] hope u read Deut 14:24-27 on kind (3) A persn stayn far 4rm Jerusalem d chosen place 1 kg 14:21 was 2 sell his tithe, travel dere & buy food & meat wit d moni 2 tithe it. My pt, tithe lyk ive sed b4 z animal & farm produce Deut 14:22 & remain dsame evn durin itz restoration in Neh 13:10-12. twas neva moni tho moni was in existenz den. Whr ar we permitd 2 change it 2 moni? U say deres no place in d bible dat abolish tithe, wat abt polygamy? U also say pastors are levites 2day, who den rep d sons of Aaron? Also d OT comand d killin of aduterers, rapists, etc, obsrve passova, offer burnt oferings, pay tithe, etc. Y shud we take tithe & leav d rest? Sinz the temple wasnt built wit tithes, d church building shudnt b built wit it
[6] y do sum pastors pay tithe & odas dnt as u say in pt 6 of ur reply? Anyway d lord has no pleasure in tinz offerd by d law (v9) such as sacrifce, burnt oferings, tithes Heb 10:7-10. Jesus hv fufiled & taken away/abolishd/reformd/replaced d old law Heb 9:9-10,15-26. So we are not unda dat law nor justifyd by it & tryin 2 keep it (tithe also) z putin curse on sef Gal 2:11-16-21, 3:7-14-29 & bondage 4:4-12,21-31, 5:1-8. Accordin 2 Heb 7:1-28, Jesus afta d order of Melchisedek [d 1st prsn 2 recve tithe Gen 14:18-20] changd d old law & hence displace d priests' (levites & sons of Aaron) offices, his pristhud neva 2 b changd. So no priests, no tithes. Any prsn dat take tithe 2day disregard Jesus priesthud & law/xtainity tryin 2 displace christ. If we must tithe, twil b 2 Jesus & hw wud he wnt us 2 give? See pt (2) above & read Mt 25:31-46 & 2 Cor 9:6-12. Datz nt tithe (10%) cuz itz more. He wnt us 2 gv more dan d jews (Mt 5:20) wit LUV & we show luv in givin, sharin & hospitality Rom 12:9-13 & by so doin fufil d law 13:8-14. Rembr his sumry of d 10 comands- LUV (Mt 22:36-40). So no need 4 tithe. D early Xtains didnt pay tithe, so why should we?
Hello,
ReplyDeleteI guess there are lot of things which we don't know we need to stay away from their knowledge.
Thanks for reminding us about tithing. May God open our eyes of understanding better amen.
ReplyDelete