A friend of my husband recently called after watching a program featuring a discussion of the importance of tithe. The tele-evangelist claimed that if someone received a discount on a purchase, they should pay tithe on the amount saved. Apparently the discount was an “increase” and 10% of its value should be paid to the church. The friend was concerned that he had been neglecting to pay tithe correctly.
My husband dismissed this money-grabbing suggestion as irrelevant, pointing out that stores often use tactics designed to make customers believe they are getting a bargain. In reality, the “discount” is just a sales tactic to encourage further purchases.
Obviously the store is still selling the goods at above their cost. The perceived ‘blessing’ is actually just a sales strategy, not a divine windfall.
Faith and giving go hand in hand. Believers willingly donate their money to support the church, believing their contributions serve a higher purpose. What happens when that trust is manipulated?
Many churches subtly—and some blatantly—pressure members into giving beyond their means. Sermons are preached emphasising the virtues of selflessness and sacrifice, creating a narrative that implies those who give most are the truly faithful.
Adding to this dynamic is the reality that most church leaders and their staff have seldom experienced financial struggles. When a pastor or church leader has consistently had more than their needs met through stipends from their organisation, they cannot understand how difficult it is for others – to cover rent, groceries, medical expenses, or even basic needs.
The financial security blanket of church leaders shield them from the stress that their congregation lives with daily. Their advice and encouragement to “give generously” may be well-intentioned but is often deeply disconnected from the reality of those who can barely afford to live. I once visited someone who, in their chilly room, was wrapped in a blanket and beanie (hat)— as a way to cut heating costs. Their commitment to faithful tithing was so strong that they willingly suffered the cold to ensure they could afford to contribute to the church without feeling shame.
Many religious institutions have played an enormous role in education, healthcare, social welfare, and supporting the most vulnerable in society. Church organisations often provide vital services that would otherwise be unattainable by the less fortunate in society. While churches may appear wealthy their resources are often stretched thin.
However, it would be misleading to suggest that all churches are here to help the unfortunate. There are many church leaders and famous tele-evangelists that have become extremely rich through appealing to the generosity of their flock. There are even more who have become obscenely rich through threatening their listeners with the wrath of God if they do not give ever more to the church. This is an unconscionable misuse of religion for personal gain.
But back to the shopping. If I buy a packet of chips for 50 cents instead of $2, must I tithe the difference? There may be some who think so….
This approach questions whether our giving should be an act of faith, or an obligation enforced by guilt, brainwashing, or deliberate spiritual gymnastics. Every believer must determine that their contributions are truly supporting what they believe in—and not simply funding leaders who thrive at the believer’s expense.
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