Why Tithe If Jesus Didn't? Are You a Levite? — Pastor Abel Damina Questions Christians

Nigerian pastor Abel Damina has provoked a significant debate within Christian circles by questioning the continued practice of tithing, suggesting that it has no basis in New Testament teachings and was not a practice followed by Jesus Christ. He argued that the origin of tithing lies within the Old Testament and was specifically linked to the Levites, a tribe of Israel set aside for temple service.

In a recent appearance on the Honest Brunch podcast, monitored by MyNewsGh, Pastor Damina discussed the historical context of tithing. He explained that Moses borrowed the concept of tithing from Abraham and implemented it for the Israelites. Tithing was originally established to support the Levites, who were dedicated to worship in the temple and were prohibited from engaging in secular work. As temple workers, the Levites had no means of supporting themselves through farming or other professions. Therefore, the Israelites were instructed to bring tithes, in the form of foodstuffs, to support the Levites.

Pastor Damina elaborated that the tithing system had three distinct forms in the Old Testament. The first type of tithe was paid every three years, the second was taken from the annual harvest, and the third involved bringing foodstuffs to the temple for the Levites. He explained that when Israelites paid their tithes, they had the freedom to sell the produce, purchase whatever they desired—including alcohol—and share it with their families. Pastor Damina highlighted that this practice, which included alcohol, was part of the original tithing tradition.

He then raised an important question for modern Christians: “When pastors talk about tithing, ask them which type they are referring to. Is it the tithe paid every three years, the one from the harvest, or the one where you enjoy it with your family in the temple?” This question led him to point out that many Christians today are not farmers and, therefore, do not have agricultural produce to tithe from, further complicating the application of tithing in contemporary times.

Another crucial point made by Pastor Damina was that modern-day pastors are not Levites, and neither was Jesus Christ. He emphasized that Jesus did not come from the tribe of Levi, and that the New Testament does not mention Jesus practicing or teaching tithing. “No pastor today is a Levite,” he stated. “If Jesus called you, you’re not a Levite, so why are pastors still asking for tithes?” He argued that the original practice of tithing was to sustain the Levites and not for the enrichment of contemporary pastors or ministries.

Furthermore, Pastor Damina questioned the frequent use of Malachi 3:10, a scripture often quoted to support the practice of tithing. The verse in Malachi talks about bringing tithes to the storehouse, and it is often cited in churches to encourage congregants to give. However, Pastor Damina pointed out that this scripture was directed at the priests of the time, who were neglecting their own tithes, rather than being an instruction for Christians to give. He clarified, “The scripture is not for Christians; it’s not for believers.”

According to Pastor Damina, Christianity is grounded in the teachings of the apostles and Jesus, and not in the Old Testament practices that were specific to the Israelites. He asserted that New Testament believers should focus on the teachings and practices of the apostles, which did not include the practice of tithing. “In the New Testament, Christianity is historic and apostolic,” he said. “We should only do what the apostles did and teach what Jesus taught. Jesus did not pay tithe.”

Pastor Damina’s statements have sparked a broader conversation about the biblical basis for tithing and its place in modern Christianity. By highlighting the historical context of the practice and challenging its continued application in churches today, he has raised important questions about how Christians should approach financial giving and how religious teachings should evolve over time. His perspective calls for a reevaluation of traditional practices like tithing, urging believers to align their practices with New Testament teachings rather than Old Testament customs.