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Rating: 
Summary: A book highly recommended to all laypersons
Review: I had the opportunity to read this book and I wanted to explain what a blessing it was. Throughout the many years I've atteneded church I heard sermons after sermons on why I should tithe and I've read several books on tithing as well; yet, I never really understood its true meaning until now. I finally understand why tithing is an important step in learning how to give graciously, save diligently, and allow myself to be in control of my finances rather than vice-versa. I am aware that change doesn't always happen immediately, at times we have to be patient and trust in the Lord, but I have been truly blessed to see the many changes tht have occured in my life as a result of tithing. For instance, I have been able to control my spending habits by significantly; I've managed to accumulate money in my savings account; and the best part--money doesn't cause me as much distress as it use to. This book helped shed light on the real purpose of tithing and provided a way for me to live a happier and more stress-relieving life. I highly recommend this book to all laypersons. It truly helped me to understand the importance of tithing.
Rating:
Summary: A book highly recommended to all laypersons
Review: I have been battling with tithing for 40 years. Money seams so precious when you have so little of it. However, this book has shown me the reality of tithing and the disceptions those without faith will play upon you. My eyes have been opened and I will no longer let anyone rob me of the riches the Lord has in store for me.
Rating: 
Summary: Tithing is not applicable to the New Testament Believer...
Review: It simply amazes me that ministers, and professed scholars, continue to teach the principle of tithing to New Testament believer's. We are no longer under the old covenant but under the new by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Here's my question: How many times did Paul teach the principle of tithing? Answer: None. Paul preached specifically in Corinthians on the subject of grace giving, not tithing. As New Testament believer's we are to give as we are led by the Holy Spirit. This is important for you to know: Your "Blessing" and the gift of the Holy Spirit come by faith in Christ, and that alone (read Galatians). If you have any further questions and would like the right perspective on this topic please read "Beyond Tithes and Offerings" by Michael Webb. ..
Rating: 
Summary: Not thoroughly researched.
Review: POSITIVE: When it discusses the social and economic problems that Blacks faced or brought upon themselves after the 1960's, this book is very helpful. It is written by a Ph.D. in that very
field of research. The majority of this book deals, not with tithing, but with these problems.NEGATIVE: Unlike his social conclusions, Dr. Smith's book on tithing contains no similar scholarly attempt to deal with the definitions, meanings, and problems of Scripture regarding
tithing. He does not biblically define the word, "tithe." He makes no effort to show its connection to New Covenant worship. Whereas poor non-land-owners and poor non-herdsmen in the O.T.
received tithes and were not required to pay tithes, Dr. Smith expects every person to give to God first and feed, clothe, and shelter their family secondly. "Firstfruits" were not the same as tithes and did not apply to non-farmers or non-herdsmen. Almost every page (133) in this book contains a statement that tithing will solve the problems of the Black church today. Since there are a lot of wealthy blacks who do not tithe and a much
larger amount of poor blacks who tithe and remain poor, I think the conclusion is too simple. Pages 3, 44, 50 and 105 refer to Galatians 5:22, 23 without mentioning that verse 23 ends by saying "against such [fruits of the Spirit] there is no law." The Christian is motivated by love and the indwelling Spirit to give, not because of a set law of percentage, but because of the best of one's ability as a love-response. Page 13 calls tithing a contract with God. Actually, while O.T. tithing was enforced to support priests under the O.T. contract, the N.T. contract makes every believer is a priest before God. The context of Malachi 1-3 describes priests stealing the tithe from God and being cursed. Tithing is not repeated or commanded to the church after Calvary in the New Covenant because it was
found to be unprofitable and weak (Heb. 7:5, 12, 18). Page 89 uses 2 Cor. 8:12 which does not teach tithing either by itself, or when placed in its context of verses 13-15. The rich give more and the poor give less so that an equality results from
grace giving principles. Page 94 tells us to follow the example of tithing Jews, Mormons, and Seventh-day Adventists. Actually, Jews do not tithe today and the other two groups are legalistic cults in the eyes of most
churches. Pages 109-132 (per page v), the Appendix, is not written by Dr. Smith. After researching my own book on tithing, I find that I disagree with most of the conclusions found there. Do you own thorough research of both views! I would strongly suggest that the poor Christian read and believe 1st Timothy 5:8. You have a Christian duty to feel, clothe and shelter your own family first and foremost.
Rating:
Summary: Not thoroughly researched.
Review: POSITIVE: When it discusses the social and economic problems that Blacks faced or brought upon themselves after the 1960's, this book is very helpful. It is written by a Ph.D. in that very
field of research. The majority of this book deals, not with tithing, but with these problems. NEGATIVE: Unlike his social conclusions, Dr. Smith's book on tithing contains no similar scholarly attempt to deal with the definitions, meanings, and problems of Scripture regarding
tithing. He does not biblically define the word, "tithe." He makes no effort to show its connection to New Covenant worship. Whereas poor non-land-owners and poor non-herdsmen in the O.T.
received tithes and were not required to pay tithes, Dr. Smith expects every person to give to God first and feed, clothe, and shelter their family secondly. "Firstfruits" were not the same as tithes and did not apply to non-farmers or non-herdsmen. Almost every page (133) in this book contains a statement that tithing will solve the problems of the Black church today. Since there are a lot of wealthy blacks who do not tithe and a much
larger amount of poor blacks who tithe and remain poor, I think the conclusion is too simple. Pages 3, 44, 50 and 105 refer to Galatians 5:22, 23 without mentioning that verse 23 ends by saying "against such [fruits of the Spirit] there is no law." The Christian is motivated by love and the indwelling Spirit to give, not because of a set law of percentage, but because of the best of one's ability as a love-response. Page 13 calls tithing a contract with God. Actually, while O.T. tithing was enforced to support priests under the O.T. contract, the N.T. contract makes every believer is a priest before God. The context of Malachi 1-3 describes priests stealing the tithe from God and being cursed. Tithing is not repeated or commanded to the church after Calvary in the New Covenant because it was
found to be unprofitable and weak (Heb. 7:5, 12, 18). Page 89 uses 2 Cor. 8:12 which does not teach tithing either by itself, or when placed in its context of verses 13-15. The rich give more and the poor give less so that an equality results from
grace giving principles. Page 94 tells us to follow the example of tithing Jews, Mormons, and Seventh-day Adventists. Actually, Jews do not tithe today and the other two groups are legalistic cults in the eyes of most
churches. Pages 109-132 (per page v), the Appendix, is not written by Dr. Smith. After researching my own book on tithing, I find that I disagree with most of the conclusions found there. Do you own thorough research of both views! I would strongly suggest that the poor Christian read and believe 1st Timothy 5:8. You have a Christian duty to feel, clothe and shelter your own family first and foremost.
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