| Summary: | Submitted to the Faculty of Theology in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Theology in the Department of Practical Theology at the Universty of Zululand, 2002. === No in-depth study has ever been undertaken with respect to the practice adopted by urban, middle-class, South African Christians in response to the Biblical approach to giving to God's work. This study surveys and interrogates traditionally held views about the Biblical approach to tithes, offerings and giving to God's work, and then compares them to the findings of extensive research I conducted amongst South African Christians from a variety of denominations, backgrounds and settings. It examines the relevant Old Testament and New Testament references, and compares them to the current practice of the target group.
The study reveals that much of what is being taught and practised in South African churches with regards to giving to God, is based on the prescriptive patterns of the Old Testament Law, particularly those pertaining to the tithe. As a result, Christians in these churches are being denied both the correct interpretation of the Biblical approach and the joy it brings. Were Christians to be taught the principles of grace giving, they would be freed from the legalism which is so clearly evident in many churches and their resulting giving, rather than being less than the tithe, as some church leaders fear, would actually increase. Pertinent recommendations are made to the churches in this regard.
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