Dr. David Croteau, Dean of the Columbia Bible Seminary and School of Counseling at Columbia International University, has spent years studying and teaching about Christian giving. His research challenges traditional views on tithing, offering a fresh perspective on how Christians can approach giving in a way that aligns with biblical principles.
The Journey to Understanding Tithing
Dr. Croteau’s journey to understanding tithing began during his college years at California State University of Fresno, where his church heavily and continually emphasized the importance of giving 10% of income as a tithe. This teaching continued to influence him into his seminary education until a pivotal moment occurred: He heard a sermon by John MacArthur that challenged his long-held beliefs. Intrigued and unsettled, Dr. Croteau embarked on an intensive personal study, meticulously examining every biblical reference to tithing.
This quest for clarity led him to question the conventional teachings he had accepted.
His academic journey took a significant turn when he chose to write a research paper on tithing during his time at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. This paper eventually evolved into his doctoral dissertation, where he explored the topic in depth. His research culminated in several publications, through which he shared his findings and offered a fresh perspective on tithing, advocating for a more nuanced and biblically grounded approach to Christian giving.
Historical Context of Tithing
In the Old Testament, tithing was specifically tied to the agricultural produce and livestock of the land of Israel. This meant that only crops grown and cattle raised on the land of Israel were subject to tithing laws. Dr. Croteau emphasizes that tithing was never intended to be a general principle for all forms of income.
Instead, it was a practice deeply connected to the agrarian society of ancient Israel. The produce of the land and the animals that grazed on it were seen as direct blessings from God, and giving a portion of these back to Him was a way of acknowledging His provision and sustaining the Levitical priesthood. The tithe was essentially an agricultural tax that supported the religious and social structures within the nation of Israel.
Furthermore, Dr. Croteau points out that the Old Testament tithe was not applicable to those living outside Israel. For instance, Jews residing in the diaspora were not required to tithe until rabbinic interpretations in the 2nd or 3rd century A.D. extended the practice. This geographical restriction underscores the idea that tithing was meant to be a localized practice relevant to the specific socio-economic conditions of Israel.
Additionally, it was not a blanket 10% of all income but rather included various tithes totaling around 23.3% annually, allocated for the Levites, religious festivals, and support for the poor.
Understanding these nuances is crucial for modern readers, as it highlights the complexity and specificity of tithing laws, which were never intended to be a universal mandate for all people and all times. This historical context challenges the common contemporary interpretation that equates tithing with simply giving 10% of one’s income to the local church.
Tithing in the New Testament
The New Testament references tithing only sparingly, with notable mentions in Matthew 23 and Hebrews 7. In Matthew 23, Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for their meticulous tithing of garden herbs while neglecting the more critical aspects of the law such as justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Here, Jesus acknowledges that the Pharisees “ought” to tithe, but He emphasizes that it should not be done at the expense of more important moral principles. This statement is often cited by proponents of New Testament tithing; however, Dr. Croteau argues that this instruction was given within the context of the Old Covenant, which was still in effect during Jesus’ earthly ministry. Therefore, it addressed Jewish practices under the Mosaic Law rather than prescribing a standard for New Testament believers who live under the New Covenant.
Hebrews 7 presents another significant passage where tithing is mentioned, referring to Abraham’s tithe to Melchizedek. This event, which took place before the Mosaic Law, is sometimes used to argue that tithing predates the law and thus applies universally. Dr. Croteau counters this by pointing out that Abraham’s tithe was a one-time act involving spoils of war, not regular income. Additionally, Abraham did not keep any portion of the spoils, he gave 10% to Melchizedek and the remaining 90% to the king of Sodom. This context suggests that the event was not a model for continuous tithing but a unique historical occurrence. Moreover, Hebrews 7’s primary focus is on demonstrating the superiority of Melchizedek’s priesthood to the Levitical priesthood, rather than instructing Christians on financial giving. Thus, these New Testament references do not establish a mandate for tithing among Christians, inviting believers to seek a deeper, more grace-oriented approach to giving.
Principles of Christian Giving
Dr. Croteau advocates for a giving paradigm that is driven by grace, love, and a relationship with Christ rather than adhering to a fixed percentage. He emphasizes that Christian giving should be motivated by the immense grace that believers have received from God. This grace-driven approach encourages Christians to reflect on the generosity they have experienced through Christ’s sacrifice and respond in kind. Giving, in this sense, becomes an act of gratitude and worship rather than a mere obligation.
Additionally, love is a central principle in Christian giving. Love for God and for others should inspire believers to give generously, supporting the work of the church and helping those in need. By focusing on these foundational principles, Christians can cultivate a heart of generosity that is responsive to the leading of the Holy Spirit, rather than being confined by a rigid, one-size-fits-all standard.
Furthermore, Dr. Croteau stresses that Christian giving should be rooted in one’s relationship with Christ. He argues that many contemporary teachings on tithing can inadvertently drive believers to form a relationship with a calculator, meticulously ensuring they meet a prescribed percentage. Instead, Dr. Croteau encourages believers to draw closer to Christ, seeking His guidance on how much to give.
As Christians grow in their faith and deepen their relationship with God, their giving should naturally become more generous and sacrificial. This process is unique to each individual, as the Holy Spirit convicts and leads believers in different ways. By prioritizing a relationship with Christ, believers can ensure that their giving is not only generous but also joyful and sincere. This approach fosters a dynamic and vibrant faith life where financial generosity is a natural outflow of one’s walk with God, rather than a mechanical fulfillment of a duty.
Practical Advice for Giving
1. Prioritize Needs: Ensure your family’s needs are met first. The Bible emphasizes the importance of taking care of one’s household, indicating that failing to do so makes one worse than an unbeliever (1 Timothy 5:8). By securing the basic necessities for your family, you create a stable environment that allows you to give generously without jeopardizing their well-being.
2. Support Your Local Church: Make sure your church and its leaders are well-supported. Your local church is the primary place where you receive spiritual nourishment, teaching, and community. By ensuring that your pastors and church leaders are adequately provided for, you help sustain the ministry that directly impacts your spiritual growth and supports the broader mission of the church.
3. Extend Beyond: Once your family and church are taken care of, consider giving to missions and para-church organizations. These entities often work in areas where local churches might not have the reach or resources to make an impact. Supporting them allows you to participate in broader efforts to spread the gospel and address various humanitarian needs around the world, thereby expanding the scope of your generosity.
4. Gradual Increase: If you’re currently giving a certain percentage, aim to increase it gradually each year as you grow in your faith and financial capacity. Start by evaluating your current giving and setting a realistic goal for the next year, such as increasing your giving by one or two percentage points. This incremental approach helps you develop a habit of increasing generosity over time, reflecting your ongoing spiritual growth and commitment to supporting God’s work.
The Future of Christian Giving
The future of Christian giving hinges on thoughtful and respectful dialogue within the church community. Changing the entrenched practice of tithing requires patience and sensitivity, as many pastors and believers have been taught and have practiced this form of giving for generations. Dr. Croteau advises approaching these conversations with an attitude of understanding, recognizing that many teachings on tithing come from a place of tradition rather than greed or manipulation.
Educating church members about the historical and biblical context of giving can foster a more nuanced and generous approach to financial stewardship. By shifting the focus from a fixed percentage to principles of grace, love, and relationship with Christ, Christians can cultivate a more heartfelt and dynamic practice of generosity. This paradigm shift has the potential to unleash greater resources for ministry, missions, and humanitarian efforts, ultimately enhancing the church’s impact on the world.
As believers embrace this more holistic and biblically grounded perspective on giving, the church can move toward a future where generosity is not only more prevalent but also more meaningful and aligned with God’s purposes.
Conclusion
Dr. Croteau’s work provides valuable insights into a topic often misunderstood within the Christian community. By returning to biblical foundations and rethinking traditional practices, Christians can embrace a more generous and joyful approach to giving. These principles and practical advice can help believers align their giving with biblical teachings, fostering a deeper relationship with Christ and a more profound impact on their communities.
Listen to our full conversation here.
This blog was generated with AI based on the podcast transcript.
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