000			02006nam a22001817a 4500
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008			170627s2002 sa ||||fom| | 00| e eng d
040			_cZA-BrSAT
100			_929 _avan Rensburg, Reuben David
245			_aTithes and Offerings in the South African Context: The Bible and Reality
260			_aKwadlangezwa, South Africa _bUniversity of Zululand _c2002
300			_a213p _bPDF _cA4 _eAbstract. Table of contents. Appendices. Bibliography.
502			_bDoctor of Philosophy in Theology _cUniversity of Zululand _d2002 _gProfessor A Song
520			_aNo in-depth study has ever been undertaken with respect to the practice adopted by urban, middle-class, South African Christians in response to the Biblical approach to giving to God’s work. This study surveys and interrogates traditionally held views about the Biblical approach to tithes, offerings and giving to God’s work, and then compares them to the findings of extensive research I conducted amongst South African Christians from a variety of denominations, backgrounds and settings. It examines the relevant Old Testament and New Testament references, and compares them to the current practice of the target group. The study reveals that much of what is being taught and practised in South African churches with regards to giving to God, is based on the prescriptive patterns of the Old Testament Law, particularly those pertaining to the tithe. As a result, Christians in these churches are being denied both the correct interpretation of the Biblical approach and the joy it brings. Were Christians to be taught the principles of grace giving, they would be freed from the legalism which is so clearly evident in many churches and their resulting giving, rather than being less than the tithe, as some church leaders fear, would actually increase. Pertinent recommendations are made to the churches in this regard.
650		0	_9207 _aChristian giving _xTithes and Offering _zSA
942			_2ddc _cTHE
999			_c14678 _d14678