Study Into The Acceptance, Perception And Attitude Of Christians Towards Tithing In Nigeria
Abstract
This research “work” focused on Study into the acceptance, perception and attitude of Christians towards tithing in Nigeria a case study of selected Christians in Ikorodu, Lagos state.
Tithing is an ancient scriptural custom which has been in use before the law and whose Biblical origin seems obscure. Tithing and seed sowing have become popularized with the advent of Pentecostalism because of the role they are currently playing in being perhaps the life wire of the church as its major sources of income. The practice of tithing in Christianity is significant for Abundance of “Meats in God’s house.” God admonishes us to pay our tithe in Malachi 3:10.
The paper did not lose sight of the fact that there are a good number of handfuls of Pentecostal preachers that are uncompromisingly preaching sound doctrines, steadily living puritanical lifestyle, and are enthusiastically modelling their followers to adopt same in Nigeria. It recommends among other things that those Pentecostal prosperity preachers in Nigeria who overdo prosperity preaching should be called to order for the sake of Jesus Christ, the founder of Christianity, the Saviour.
Chapter One
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
David F. Burg (2004) proffers an understanding to the concept of tithe when he defined tithe as the payment of one-tenth of income as ones contribution to a religious place of worship, clergy or churches or as a compulsory tax to government. Currently, tithes are paid in cash, cheques, or stocks and regarded as voluntary as against the ancient times when tithes were paid in kind such as agricultural products. In some European countries, tithing are regarded as a formal process linked to the tax system which enable some churches to assess tithes. In the Traditional Jewish law tithe was practiced since ancient times. The Orthodox Jews commonly practice ma’aser kesafim which is the tithing of 10% of their income to charity. Also, in modern Israel, agricultural tithing is been practiced by the Jews, e.g., ma’aser rishon, terumat ma’aser, and ma’aser sheni. The Christian folds of recent times of many denominations hold the believe of tithing as it is mentioned by Jesus When he was confronted with the matter by the Jew. Jesus Christ apparently emphasized the need to practice the payment of tithe with a deep concern for the practice of justice, mercy and faithfulness” (cf. Matthew 23:23). Stanley E. Porter; Cynthia Long Westfall (January 2011). Tithing was taught and practiced by the early Christian church councils, which included the Council of Tours in 567, and the Synod of Macon in 585. Currently, Tithing constitutes a significant teaching and belief in many Christian denominations. The subject of tithe is specifically mentioned in the Books of Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. During this period the tithe system was organized in a three-year cycle, corresponding to the Shemittah-cycle. For the children of Israel payment of tithe were regarded as mandatory and not optional giving. This is because these tithes were used to support the Levites and assist the poor. Consequently the research is a study in to the acceptance, perception, and attitude of Christians towards tithing in Nigeria a case study of selected Christians in Ikorodu, Lagos state.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
The subject of tithing has generated great contention in recent time among Christians to whom the injunction of tithing was given. To the people of ancient times who received this injunction as a result of the mighty works which God wrought among them accepted it with gratitude. But the development which has taken place in the succeeding years among Christians seems to bring a division to the perception, attitude and acceptance of tithing. While it is accepted in some denomination, it is criticized by many others as means of exploiting the Christian fold. The problem confronting the research is a study in to the acceptance, perception, and attitude of Christians towards tithing in Nigeria a case study of selected Christians in Ikorodu, Lagos state.
1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
The Main Objective of the study is a study in to the acceptance, perception, and attitude of Christians towards tithing in Nigeria .A case study of selected Christians in Ikorodu, Lagos state; The specific objectives include
1 To determine the level of acceptance of tithing among Christians in Nigeria.
2 To determine the perception and attitude of Christians towards tithing in Nigeria.
3 To determine the level of acceptance of tithing among selected Christians in Ikorodu, Lagos state.
4 To determine the perception and attitude of Christians towards tithing among selected Christians in Ikorodu, Lagos state.
1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
1 What is the level of acceptance of tithing among Christians in Nigeria?
2 What is the perception and attitude of Christians towards tithing in Nigeria?
3 What is the level of acceptance of tithing among selected Christians in Ikorodu, Lagos state?
4 What is the perception and attitude of Christians towards tithing among selected Christians in Ikorodu, Lagos state?
1.5 STATEMENT OF THE HYPOTHESIS
The statement of the hypothesis for the study is stated in Null as follows
HO The level of acceptance of tithing among selected Christians in Ikorodu, Lagos state is low.
Ho The perception and attitude of Christians towards tithing among selected Christians in Ikorodu, Lagos state is negative.
1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The research is a study into the acceptance, perception, and attitude of Christians towards tithing in Nigeria .A case study of selected Christians in Ikorodu, Lagos state. It provides relevant data for the effective formulation and implementation of policies to enhance the realization of envisaged objective.
1.7 Scope of the study
The research focused on the topic, acceptance, perception, and attitude of Christians towards tithing in Nigeria .A case study of selected Christians in Ikorodu, Lagos state. The study will be conducted among Christians in Ikorodu, Lagos state, Nigeria.
1.8 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
The study was confronted with logistics and geographical factors.
1.9 DEFINITION OF TERMS
TITHE DEFINED
Tithe is the payment of one-tenth of income as ones contribution to a religious place of worship, clergy or churches or as a compulsory tax to government.
CHRISTIANS DEFINED
Christian are regarded as followers of Jesus Christ or as anything pertaining to the Christian religion.
Chapter Two: Literature Review
2.0 INTRODUCTION:
This chapter provides the background and context of the research problems, reviews the existing literature on the study into the acceptance, perception and attitude of christians towards tithing in nigeria, and acknowledges the contributions of scholars who have previously conducted similar research [rev84729] …
Table of Content
TITLE PAGE
DECLARATION
CERTIFICATION
DEDICATION
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
ABBREVIATION
ABSTRACT
TABLE OF CONTENT
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
1.2 Statement of the Problem
1.3 Objectives of the Study
1.4 Research Questions
1.5 Research Hypotheses
1.6 Significance of the Study
1.7 Scope of the Study
1.8 Limitation of the study
1.9 Definition of Terms
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 INTRODUCTION
2.2 Biblical Origin and Development of Tithing
2.3 Historical Evolution and Practice of Tithing in Christendom
2.4 Benefits of Tithing in Christendom
2.5 Consequences of Tithing to Christianity
CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY
3.1 Research Design
3.2 The Study Area
3.3 Population of the Study
3.4 Sample Size and Sampling Techniques
3.5 Sources of Data Collection
3.6 Instrument for Data Collection
3.7 Validity of Research Instrument
3.8 Reliability of the Instrument
3.9 Administration of the Instrument
3.10 Method of Data Analysis
3.11 Decision Rule
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
BIO DATA OF RESPONDENTS
DATA ANALYSIS
CONCLUSION
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Summary of Findings
1.2 Conclusion
1.3 Recommendations
Appendix