I’m not intellectually convinced of tithing 10%...

But here's why I still do

I have a confession to make. I’m not intellectually convinced of tithing 10%. But I still practice it. I have quite a few reasons.

1. The Old Testament tithe, when fully added up, was closer to about 23-27% annually. It was a multi-layered practice, not simply 10%. It included a 10% tithe for Levites, another for festivals, and a third every three years for the poor, reflecting community, worship, and social support in Israel.

1b. I’m not sure how the Malachi 3:10 verse about opening the windows of heaven with blessing works… Is this individual? Is it corporate? I’m still figuring it out… anyway.

2. The New Testament shifts from a fixed tithe to a call for radical generosity. Instead of percentages, it emphasizes giving from the heart, sacrificially, and in response to God’s grace—supporting others freely as a reflection of Christ’s love.

3. Throughout history, many prominent Christians have viewed the tithe as non-binding for New Testament believers. Martin Luther, John Calvin, and John Wesley emphasized voluntary giving rooted in grace. Early church fathers like Irenaeus and Tertullian taught generosity beyond a fixed 10%. Later, Charles Spurgeon, A.W. Pink, and R.C. Sproul saw tithing as a helpful guide, not a command. They encouraged sacrificial giving that reflects Christ’s love rather than adherence to Old Testament law.

C.S. Lewis (my fav of all time) didn’t advocate for a set percentage tithe either. He emphasized giving until it costs us something. In Mere Christianity, he wrote that Christians should give more than they can spare, encouraging sacrificial generosity as a mark of true faith.

Okay with all this in my head, you can see at least a few reasons of why I’m not (at least intellectually) convinced about 10% tithing… So what’s all the fuss? Why do I still give my 10% (and sometimes more) to my local church?