Tithing is the second book I’ve read from Thomas Nelson’s Ancient Practices Series, and I could not be more disappointed in it. The first book that I read from this series, Sabbath, was enlightening. Tithing, however, was very disappointing.
First of all, Tithing isn’t about tithing. Author Douglas LeBlanc has instead written a series of interviews with different people about their experiences in giving. Most of the stories that he relates bear no resemblance to the scriptural mandate of tithing, but rather focus on social activism.
Second, LeBlanc, a religion journalist, has selected nearly all of his stories from religious fringe groups, emergent philosophies, and liberal churches. And as a result, he shares nothing that is even instructional about the concept of tithing.
The stories were somewhat interesting, but in a way that created a response such as, “Hmmm, that was nice…” I found almost nothing of significant substance to take away from this book.
The one story that I found more than mildly interesting was the story of Randy Alcorn’s work with the pro-life movement, and his subsequent involvement in the lawsuit brought against the abortion clinic protestors. But once again, this really had nothing to do with the biblical principle of the tithe.
Over all, I found Tithing to be very disappointing. There are many other resources available on the topic that do a much better job teaching it.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze blogger review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissionís 16 CFR, Part 255: ìGuides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.î
Jeff,
Online, book reviews can be positively skewed all in the name of an affiliate commission. It was really refreshing to stumble upon your blog, and to find a review that DOESN'T recommend a book. The honesty and genuiness shines through, for sure. I'd be interested to read alternatives you would suggest — While my wife and I do sponsor a child in Africa, we've struggled a bit with consistently tithing. I know it's something we need to do much more of.
Thanks, Howie. I agree. Even though I may get the books free from the publisher, I post what I think about them in my reviews. Most of the time, I like what I'm given. But some books just aren't that great. If this book were to talk more on the biblical principle of tithing, I probably would have liked it more. As it is, it should have been called "Social Activism."
A couple of others that are more like what I expected this one to be include: Money: A User's Manual by Bob Russell, and The ABC's of Financial Sucess by Barry Cameron. You could probably find both of those on Amazon.
Dr. Kregg Hood also wrote a little book called Take God At His Word that was pretty good…
We also sponsor kids, two in India, and one in Peru. It's pretty fun for my kids to write them letters and color them pictures! Enjoy that!
Thanks so much for this helpful review. Sometimes I think the main reason I review books is to be the only one out there who will actually say something negative about a terrible book! I appreciate your honesty.
Thanks, Ginger, for taking the time to say that. I often feel the same way. Glad to know I'm not alone in that.
I was also disappointed with Tithing. It felt like the author was putting a great deal of effort into correlating Christian liberalism/social activism with generous giving, which is unfair to many conservative believers who give sacrificially.
I completely agree. I was expecting much more biblical principle, and much less social activism.