UK Tithing — An Observation
At the risk of alienating many, especially in Britain, I came across this brief observation on tithing in my writings from yesteryear.
“Tithing — Ah, a fascinating study is tithing.
Here we see the great gulf in the national characteristics between The USA and Britain.
In America, giving is a way of life, while in Britain it’s mostly an obligation to be fulfilled as quickly and as cheaply as possible!
In America, most services that I’ve seen have a specific tithing and giving sermon which can last some twenty minutes, or even longer, during which the congregation is exhorted to ‘give bountifully’.
In Britain, however, ‘the offering’ is a very muted affair — almost an embarrassment!
The vast majority of pastors rarely, if ever, preach tithing because of the flack they get from members.
It’s almost legendary, the general, not all by any means, paucity of giving in the UK!
There are many generous tithers and givers.
We tithe, and we’ve spoken of the benefits of tithing more than once.
We really must teach it and preach it much, much more!”
I’m not going to say any more. If you disagree, please scroll on by and spare me and others, the theological lecture.
God bless you and thanks for reading this far!
~ Chris G. Bennett
Chris Bennett came to salvation in 1962 but didn’t begin ministry until 2007 — a late-comer! Now mandated by The LORD to prophesy and open old wells of revival in the U.K., but especially in Wales. He has also operated Healing Rooms, and worked with deliverance teams, all with his wife, Linda. Happily now doing whatever The LORD asks of them! Founder, with wife Linda, of their ministry The Upper Room Encounter.
I don’t like boasting about giving, as I probably could give more, however I agree with Maureen above, you can’t outgive God! I’ve never been in a tight because of giving to God and His purposes.
Amen – in our church in Western Canada the words tithes and offerings are mentioned every week. People need to testify about it. I tithe and am amazed how somehow there is enough whether I get things on sale or my utility bills are lower than expected or I get some unexpected money or something –
it is truly miraculous !
As a Man Thinks in HIS ‘HEART- SO is HE! God Loves a Cheerful Giver! Some are NOT Taught the Word of God and Don’t Know- While some Know but are Not led by the HOLY SPIRIT! ☝
Here in the UK, tithing is a very contentious subject. I believe that 99% of people have heard about it and know and understand it. However, there is a huge poverty mindset here and most good folk here don’t believe the ‘propaganda’ or testimonies of those who do tithe. Therefore tithing is still very much opposed as ‘Old Testament’ or ‘law’ – even though tithing predates Moses and the law by some 500 years!
It’s all a bit sad really.
I am not in ministry but I tend to agree with your observation. Generosity is engraved in the minds of Americans and even the nonbelievers show a generosity of heart. I don’t believe this is limited to tithing or giving. That is how the nation was wired from the inception. I also believe that generosity of heart comes with its sibling virtues such as humility. I humbly share my thoughts as someone that is neither British nor American.