We have been reading a book called "Liberating Hope!" Daring to renew the Mainline Church by Michael S. Piazza and Cameron B. Trimble in our weekly Bible study at church. The chapter we just finished was on Stewardship. I had some enlightening moments while thinking about this chapter. I grew up with that whole idea of giving God our tithe faithfully would result in God blessing us tenfold. I don't know that it has ever really happened in my life, well at least not in a monetary way.
It seems to me that it was easier to write a check and pay tithes when I was more conservative/charismatic in belief. The more progressive I become in my theology and thinking, the less likely I am to pay tithes and write checks. I think the problem becomes one of belief…..the more liberal often means we apply more intellect than emotion to scripture. I think we also tend not to interpret the scripture quite as literal as those who are more fundamental in their theology. So for me I end up in a spot that doubts whether or not God really cares about money and how much I give. Does God really bless our giving? I would say we feel good about giving especially in things like food drives and such because we lean towards a more social gospel. But where does this leave the idea of tithing because God said so? Are we really going to give over 10% of our paycheck because there is a scripture that says God said to do it.
