Talk:Tithing
From Theopedia
I noticed there was a correction made to the Old English origin of the word tithe. The reference that i took it from was Wikipedia, where it has teogotha as being the Old English word...
Whether tithe is OT only or not is debated by many. I don't know if it's such a good idea in an encyclopedic entry to denounce NT tithing when such teachings are being debated in the Christian community. - Larryjf 14:11, November 15, 2005
- I'm not entirely sure what I think, but here's my first thoughts. Theopedia does not take a NPOV (neutral point of view). It clearly takes a Reformed point of view, and so in most articles, there will be a clear leaning towards Reformed theology. But, I don't know where Reformed theology stands on tithing. Gomarus, is what you wrote in accordance with Reformed tradition? Lastly, a section can be added that explains the debate even though a side is taken in the article. JordanBarrett 17:48, 15 November 2005 (EST)
- Perhaps this is relevant (from the writing guide): "Other content, especially that which is not addressed in the statement of faith, and that which finds a respected place within Reformed evangelicalism but is not completely agreed upon, should usually be written neutrally and descriptively (not assertively)." Grace and peace in the Lamb. -Aaronshaf 19:04, 15 November 2005 (EST)
- Regarding the Old English word, the first source I checked was the free online dictionary which had "teotha". Since questioned I googled around and found both "teotha" and "teogotha." So, if you want to change it back fine. Gomarus 20:52, 15 November 2005 (EST)
Regarding tithing as OT only, if you want to present an argument to the contrary, please do so. In which case we can change the one section heading to "Tithing limited to the Old Testament" and a following section "Tithing valid for the Church" or some such thing. Have at it. I stand by the fact that Scripture doesn't specify a "tenth" for N.T. Christian giving. Gomarus 21:03, 15 November 2005 (EST)
- Perhaps this is a discussion regarding the continuation of the OT Law? JordanBarrett 23:52, 15 November 2005 (EST)
As to the tithe in regards to Reformed Theology, it has been my understanding that tithe is supported by Reformed Theology. My PCA church and OPC churches that i have heard about teach that we are to tithe. Here is an excerpt from The Genevan Institute of Reformed Studies...
The Gathering of God's Tithe and Our Offerings There are two parts to the collections taken during the public worship of the Church; the tithe and the offering. The tithe is a fixed ten percent of whatever we earn. It is given thankfully as a testimony that God is the one who enables us to labor and who causes our work to prosper. It is his portion and is not to be withheld or redirected to other charities or agencies than the church. To do so is to steal from God (Malachi 3:8). The offering is our free gift of thanks to the Lord as he prospers us beyond the meeting of our basic needs. There is no fixed percentage for the thank offering. The amount is left to the giver. Both the tithe and the offering are to be given to God and to his kingdom through the administration of the church according to the principles the Scriptures command.
Contrary to the perverted ideas of our modern age, the offering is not a tip we give the pastor for a good sermon, or dues paid for membership in the church. Its not a version of fund raising or simply to meet budgetary demands and keep the lights on and air-conditioner working. Giving should be the thankful response of humble believers to the provisions of our Sovereign God and is therefore to be treated as an act of worship.
Under the Old Testament priestly system the tithes and offerings were to be brought to the priests who acted as the elders of Israel to provide for and oversee the worship, to counsel and discipline the members, and to care for the needy in the covenant community. The admonition of Malachai 3:10 to bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, reminds us that the tithe is to be distributed and used under the authority of God's church, not to the individual.
In the New Testament this same principle continues with no change except that the temple services and priestly work were completed in Christ. The day of worship was set by the Apostles to the first day of the week based on the Roman calendar that was in use at the time. Therefore we see the worshippers instructed to bring God's tithes and their offerings to the Sabbath worship of the church (1 Corinthians 16:1,2 and 2 Corinthians 8-9). Larryjf
- I see what you have presented, Larry. I personally find the argument for continuation of the "tithe" (per se) unconvincing. I would only re-iterate my earlier proposal to find a way to present the reader with both perspectives in our article. The last two paragraphs of your quote seem to summarize the position fairly succinctly and could easily be the substance of another section. I'll be glad to take a shot at incorporating for review. Thanks for your interaction. Gomarus 11:03, 16 November 2005 (EST)
- I am also unconvinced that tithing is required under the NT. The only reason i did not post it as an OT teaching, and the only reason i brought it up in discussion, is because tithing does seem to be a reformed teaching. From my personal perspective it is fine to keep the definition as an OT teaching, it just seems to go against the reformed leanings of theopedia. Since i don't believe tithing is valid under the NT, it would be disingenuous for me to post a section on the validity of a NT tithe.
- I am fine with the article as it stands, I just wanted to point out the few things that i have stated in the discussion section. I think this is a good place for the "back and forth" of different ideas, as opposed to editing and re-editing the article itself.
- Thanks - Larryjf
