••• Tithing under compulsion is not Christianity— it’s spiritual extortion.
I. ORIGINS: TITHES IN THE OLD TESTAMENT CONTEXT
Biblically, tithing began as a 10% contribution of crops and livestock, intended not for personal gain but to feed the Levites (who owned no land), orphans, widows, and foreigners (Deuteronomy 14:28-29). It was a communal welfare system, deeply tied to Israel’s agricultural society.
It was never cash-based.
It was not monthly, but seasonal.
It was never tied to salvation or miracle breakthroughs.
But today, many Pentecostal and charismatic pastors quote Malachi 3:8-10 out of context, conveniently ignoring the rest of the chapter, turning tithes into a monthly spiritual tax. Why?
Because fear works. And ignorance pays.
II. THE THREE-STEP MANIPULATION MODEL (MODERN THEORY OF TITHES)
Let’s break it down:
1. FEAR AS CONTROL MECHANISM
“Will a man rob God?” becomes a spiritual sledgehammer.
Many pastors weaponize guilt, claiming if you don’t pay your tithe, you’ve invited curses, bad luck, poverty, or even death. This psychological manipulation preys on already-suffering people. Those who dare ask questions are branded rebellious, carnal, or cursed.
2. GREED AS INCENTIVE MODEL
“Sow a tithe and reap a car.”
Church members are offered divine deals: Give your 10%, and heaven will rain promotion, contracts, babies, visas, and healing. This transactional gospel makes God look like a lotto operator, and turns churches into hope casinos.
3. LUXURY AS DIVINE PROOF
“If Daddy GO drives a Bentley, it’s because he’s blessed.”
In reality, it’s because you’re broke and loyal.
Pastors justify flamboyance as God’s reward for faith, while silencing the fact that their wealth comes directly from poor members who are told “even in poverty, tithe your way out.” Meanwhile, schools owned by the church charge tuition most tithing members can’t afford.
III. THE PROSPERITY DOCTRINE: SANCTIFIED CAPITALISM
The “Prosperity Gospel” is the doctrine that equates godliness with wealth. It tells you: “If you’re broke, you’re not sowing enough.” So, the solution isn’t education, hard work, or national policy—it’s “tithe harder.”
Churches in Nigeria have become mega-corporations:
Private universities (no scholarships for members).
Book publishing empires.
TV channels.
Oil blocks.
Real estate chains.
Yet every Sunday, the faithful are told to give “sacrificially”— to fund more expansions, not empowerment.
IV. ECONOMIC & SOCIAL DAMAGE
Widespread Financial Exploitation
Many poor people give 10% of meager earnings while pastors boast of Rolexes and jets.
Suppressed Inquiry
Asking where the money goes is seen as rebellion. Transparency is called “carnality.” Even the Nigerian government can be audited—why not churches?
Cycle of Dependency
Instead of building wealth, many Nigerians remain financially bound to churches—waiting for “prophetic alerts.”
Divided Families
Some spouses fall out because of a wife/husband who prioritizes tithes over rent or school fees.
V. NEW TESTAMENT TRUTH: CHRIST FREED US
Jesus Christ never collected tithes. The apostles never imposed tithing in the New Testament church. Rather, generosity was voluntary and community-driven (2 Corinthians 9:6-7). The early church sold properties to feed the poor—not to build cathedrals.
Tithing under compulsion is not Christianity—it’s spiritual extortion.
VI. THE WAY OUT: REFORM, RESISTANCE, RE-EDUCATION
1. Biblical Re-education
Christians must read their Bibles in full context. Study what the Word says, not just what a charismatic pastor shouts on stage.
2. Financial Transparency
Churches must publish detailed financial reports. Let members know how their money is being spent—like any modern NGO or organization.
3. Focus on Impact, Not Infrastructure
The obsession with buildings and brands must give way to community empowerment—jobs, scholarships, healthcare, and honest charity.
4. Encourage Freewill Giving
Giving must be voluntary, not under fear or manipulation. Let cheerful givers lead, not coerced victims.
5. Hold Men of God Accountable
Spiritual leaders are not gods. They must be open to questions, audits, and correction—as any public figure should.
FINAL WORD: ENOUGH IS ENOUGH
Nigerians must wake up. God is not an extortionist. He does not need private jets, nor does your salvation hang on a monthly debit alert to a church account.
Let the truth be said: many pastors today are not shepherds— they are business moguls in cassocks.
Tithing is not a spiritual obligation under Christ. It has become a religious racket.
You owe it to your soul and your sanity to give wisely, question boldly, and worship freely.
