Nigerian pastor Abel Damina has shared his views on tithing, addressing the common practice in modern Christianity and its historical roots.
According to Pastor Damina, the concept of tithing originated from the tribe of Israel, specifically the Levites, who were set apart to worship in the temple on behalf of Israel. They were not meant to work secular jobs but to focus entirely on temple service.
During his appearance on the Honest Brunch podcast monitored by MyNewsGh, he stated, “Moses borrowed the tithing principle from Abraham and established it for the Israelites. He said, ‘Since I am your mediator, I cannot serve you alone.
“I have the Levites, so every year, all of you will bring a tithe in the form of foodstuff to support them.’” This practice ensured that the Levites, who served in the temple, had enough to eat, as they had no other means of livelihood.
Pastor Damina went on to clarify that there are three types of tithes in the Old Testament. The first type is paid every three years, the second is paid annually from the harvest, and the third involves the family bringing foodstuff to the temple.
“When you bring your tithe, you can sell it, buy anything you like, including alcohol, and enjoy it with your family,” he said, adding that the inclusion of alcohol was part of the original practice.
He raised a crucial point for Christians today: “When pastors talk about tithing, ask them which type they are referring to.
“Is it the tithe paid every three years, the one from the harvest, or the one where you enjoy it with your family in the temple?” He also emphasized that most people today are not farmers and, therefore, do not have harvests to tithe from.
Additionally, Pastor Damina argued that modern pastors are not Levites. “No pastor today is a Levite,” he said. “Jesus didn’t come from the tribe of Levi, and if Jesus called you, you’re not a Levite, so why are pastors still asking for tithes?”
He further explained that the practice of tithing, as described in the Old Testament, was meant to sustain the Levites and that the famous scripture from Malachi 3:10, often cited to encourage tithing, was directed at priests who failed to pay their own tithes.
“The scripture is not for Christians; it’s not for believers,” Pastor Damina pointed out. “In the New Testament, Christianity is historic and apostolic.
“We should only do what the apostles did and teach what Jesus taught. Jesus did not pay tithe.”
