Is Tithing Biblical?
We asked Dr. Glenn Kreider, professor of Theological Studies, what he teaches his students about tithing, and whether it’s biblical.
“I tell them that tithing is biblical like polygamy, slavery, and animal sacrifices are biblical. These concepts are included in the Bible. But they are all part of another covenant, one replaced by the New Covenant in the work of Christ.
“I tell my students that the tithes were a means of providing for Israel’s governmental costs, similar to taxes for us today, as well as for their religious services. Thus, providing for ministry costs is still our responsibility. On this subject, the New Testament teaches generous giving and loving your neighbor as yourself. For some, a tithe seems impossible. For others, a tithe is pocket change.
“I tell my students to give generously, regularly, systematically, and that this should include both their local church and other ministries they choose to support.”
About the Contributors
Glenn R. Kreider
Prior to teaching at DTS, Dr. Kreider served as Director of Christian Education and then as Senior Pastor in Cedar Hill, TX. His research and writing interests include Jonathan Edwards, theological method, theology and popular culture, and our eschatological hope. Dr. Kreider believes that grace really is amazing; it is a thought that will change the world. He is married to his best friend, Janice, and they have two grown children and one granddaughter, Marlo Grace. He and Janice enjoy live music, good stories, bold coffee, and spending time together and with their rescue dogs—a terrier/greyhound mix named Chloe and a black lab named Carlile.
Contributors
