Is it right to pay tithes?

BOOK

REVIEW


TITLE: TITHING AND CHRISTIANITY
AUTHOR: JOHN MOYIBI AMODA
YEAR OF PUBLICATION: 2010
PUBLISHER: LIGHTHOUSE PUBLISHING Co.
NO OF PAGES: 311 PAGES
REVIEWER: FOLARIN SAMSON


How would you feel as a Christian if your pastor announced on a Sunday morning service that there would be no collection of tithes because he just discovered it is an unscriptural practice? Certainly you might be surprised and perhaps bewildered. This is because the idea of tithes is presumed to be a long-settled matter having been commanded by God in the Bible. Who would then contend that? Or could there have been a mistake carried on for ages? Where was ten percent commanded? Old or New Testament? Where do we distinguish the Old Covenant with its external religious observances from the new dispensation of spiritual worship as they concern tithing? These and many more revolutionary questions have been raised by an intellectual man of God, Pastor John Moyibi Amoda, the senior pastor of Gospel Intercession Mission in his book, “Tithing and Christianity” a sequel to “Pentecostalism in chains-the merchandising of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ” While it is possible that some Christians might be quick to dismiss the book as heretic, a considerable few believers in Christ with open mind may want to take a second look at its content and perhaps give it a thought.

The ten chapter book takes a close range look at the doctrine of tithes, using the writings of an American pentecostal televangelist, Dr. Morris Cerullo to provide foundation for an analytic critique. Amoda first presented a synopsis of Cerullo’s teaching on tithing which is the view widely held by mainstream Christians best summarised thus: “Pay your tithes so that the house of God can have provision for its ministers and God will open the gates of heaven on you; withdraw it, and you are cursed”

Amoda in his review of this mantra raised the fundamental point that the basis of blessedness in the New Testament church is righteousness, which in itself is the nature of the New Testament believer. In other words, God’s blessing on his people is informed by their nature not their acts.

Prof. Amoda ended with this clincher: “Tithers zealous for the propagation of the Gospel give tithes through faith ‘which worketh by love’ for the Gospel. They are prospered by their faith in the Law as they are simultaneously brought under the law which made Calvary necessary…..We are made heirs of God not through tithes and offerings. The Gospel states that we receive blessings from God not through any work but through the leading of the Holy Ghost”

It is very instructive to note that Prof Amoda left the reader with three options after reading the book-to follow Cerullo’s teaching, give the critique a thought or follow his mind on the issue.

He systematically presents the eight issues raised in Cerullo’s theology together with his commentaries, juxtaposes it with his own critical appraisal quoting relevant scriptural passages to support his argument and counter-claim and leaves the rest to the reader to follow the superior argument

While the introductory chapter served the purpose of background and rationale for his review, the next eight chapters examined the eight focal points of Dr. Morris Cerullo’s work, making his submission, conclusion and recommendation in the last chapter.

The writer brought scholarship and thoroughness into the book. The structure of the book typifies an academic thesis with its introduction, methodology, literature review, analysis and conclusion formatting. The standard is world-class.

Also, his constant reference to the Bible, the Christian authoritative book is admirable. He appealed more to facts and reason which should not be surprising due of his professorial attainment.

Moreover, he did not foist his belief on the reader. The book took an unpopular side and his courage to do that even to the point of putting it down in a book should be commended. More striking to the reader is his courage to take on an international minister like Dr. Cerullo and point out the lapses in his logic.

But on the downward side, Amoda did not tell us who Dr. Morris Cerullo is. Where does he live? How famous and renowned he is and the denomination he heads. This is a too-important information he left out, leaving the reader to wild conjectures.

Secondly, while Amoda did a good job in citing relevant passages from the Bible to support his point, he went too far. There were places he quoted two to three pages full. This is not very good as the reader may be tempted to skip the passages. He could have paraphrased or summarised some of the passages.

Finally, the cover page is not very attractive except for the symbolic ten percent sign with a question mark superimposed on it to show the author’s disapproval of tithing.

Nonetheless, the book is written in an intelligible language that makes the information accessible to anyone who wishes to learn. It is recommended to church leaders and Christians. It is also important that Professor Amoda sends a copy of the book to Dr. Morris Cerullo.