Brief Review: TITHING (Ancient Practices Series) Douglas LeBlanc
A Review of
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Tithing: Test Me in This
By Douglas LeBlanc Hardback: Buy now: |
Reviewed By Kevin Book-Satterlee.
Douglas LeBlanc is not a theologian. He is a reporter with a keen desire to find out the “scoop” about tithing. His vantage point and skills as a reporter make his approach on the topic of tithing a very fresh and adept read. His book, Tithing: Test me in this, is the most recent release in a series edited by Phyllis Tickle on ancient practices.
Le Blanc interviews a number of people, some relatively no-namers in the Christian world and others who are big-wigs like Ron and Arbutus Sider, on the issue of tithing. The group of interviewees is widely diverse across the spectrum of Christian traditions, from Mennonites to Salvation Army, Seventh Day Adventists, Roman Catholics, Orthodox and a variety of Episcopal traditions. The book is a bit heavy on the Episcopal representation, being that LeBlanc comes from many years reporting within the Episcopal Church. Some of his fellow church folk are from the more conservative side and others from the more liberal side.
Despite the diversity, all the people interviewed agree that tithing is a very good thing. Within this diversity, all are united in the sentiment that tithing is beneficial for the soul and that when one tithes trust in God becomes easier. Hence the subtitle of the book, Test me in this. God is trustworthy and is the provider.
The book is valuable to see the differing representative groups in a positive light. Each and every interviewee has valuable knowledge about tithing, and LeBlanc does a good job making the reader want to be a part of a church where these people attend. Luckily, LeBlanc tells us how. Everybody gets to attend a church where God can be tested in tithing and spiritual growth occurs. This is a calling of all Christians.
Upon reflecting on my own giving, my wife and I’s tithing context mirrors some in this book. Money is tight as furlough missionaries, but we always have enough to tithe and pay the bills. It has been amazing to see God’s provision and to be a part of watching the church grow as we grow less selfish. I won’t lie, each Sunday after “pay day” I get the question in my mind, “Can we afford this?” The response…no…but we test God in this and it has been that we can always afford this. LeBlanc’s book is added encouragement to the very experience that we are living.
This book is a simple read and fun. It is inspiring. Tithing is not a commandment to give ten percent. It is an opportunity to be a part of God’s generosity and watch how he proves himself in provision. The most austere lifestyle and the most lavish stand to benefit equally from reading this book and testing God.
