AN EXAMINATION OF PAYMENT OF TITHES ACCORDING TO MATTHEW AND ITS PRACTICES IN THE 21ST CENTURY

Abstract

The article poses as a response to criticism that has engulfed the Christian religious principle and practice of giving tithes in the present age. Positions abound with respect to the subject. Consequently, certain people of Christian faith do not believe in tithing of their God –given possessions, some do give out of fear to avoid incurring God’s wrath, and some do on account of having been coerced. Yet, there are a few individuals of the Christian faith who do practice tithing in the right way with the right understanding. By means of examination of Matthew 23:23, it is established that giving back to God a tenth of one’s possession is a biblical principle with both testaments’ application. The findings revealed that certain anomalies have characterised the present understanding and application of this vital aspect of Christianity. These anomalies majored on claims that tithing is limited to the Old Testament, even, it was strictly material and not monetary. The situation is not helped by shallow understanding of untrained Pastors of the new generation churches, who go about the subject in the wrong way. The ungodly measures of commercialising the gospel and exploiting people religiously in the present time have done more harm than good to the spirit of sincere, wholesome and wilful Christian giving. It recommended that, there should be improved sound biblical scholarship on the subject. The tension surrounding tithing should be relaxed by giving it the same treatment as done to other church principles. The monetary implication of the present age tithing makes it sensitive and delicate aspect of church practice that should be handled with caution, and according to the leading or directive of the Holy Spirit.