Christians didn’t start teaching that God expected a 10% tithe of income until the mid-1800s, according to some church historians. Reportedly, there are no sermons on tithing before then. John Wesley didn’t tithe or preach on it. John Calvin didn’t. Martin Luther didn’t. Tithing became a fundraising technique after the American government stopped supporting churches with tax money, beginning in the 1830s. In Bible times, Christians gave offerings, not tithes. Paul said, “You must each decide in your heart how much to give,” (2 Corinthians 9:7 NLT). Bible Snapshots, p. 226.
About Stephen M. Miller
STEPHEN M. MILLER is an award winning bestselling Christian author of easy-reading books about the Bible and Christianity and author of the Casual English Bible® paraphrase. His books have sold over two million copies and include The Complete Guide to the Bible and Who’s and Where’s Where in the Bible.
Bravo for this small yet bold statement.