Rev. Lydia Kahiga’s Tithing Teachings: A Theological Reflection

A friend of mine recently asked me for my opinion on a viral video on TikTok. The video features a popular Presbyterian pastor and preacher teaching on tithing for debt cancellation. Rev. Lydia Kahiga is known for her bold sermons. These sermons often engage with contextual issues. They focus especially on the interface of Christian teaching and Kikuyu culture.

Over-spiritualizing financial management

In this clip, she teaches that if someone has a loan, they should use the tithing principle of 10%. They should take this amount to church, to the altar. Then, the loan will be “erased”. In the clip, consulting a “shylock” (i.e., moneylender) is seen as a type of altar. The altar of the church is seen as more powerful than other altars that people are involved in. First, by saying this, bad financial decisions are over-spiritualized.

Secondly, theology is trivialized.

A Brief Biblical Theology of Altars and Tithing

Here is what I shared with my friend, in what is hopefully, a brief response:

1. I acknowledge the significant ministry that Rev. Lydia exercises. She has provided Christian nurture, especially regarding teachings on marriage. Her teachings also include the rejection of cultural practices and salvation in Christ.
2. However, I part company with the teaching on altars. This is based on what I think is a biblical theology of altars as fulfilled in Christ. Altars were physical points of connection between humanity and God in the Old Testament Covenants (Abrahamic, Noahic and Mosaic). Being a Presbyterian Minister in the reformed tradition, I believe that there are continuities between the Old and New Covenants. Altars are now fulfilled through Jesus Christ who has became a “tabernacle/temple” for us. He is our dwelling with God (John 1:14, and possibly the temple imagery in 1 Pet 2:4). Thus, for believers today, physical altars are no longer necessary, since we have a direct connection to God.
3. In broader Presbyterian tradition, that is why we don’t have altars in our churches. We only have the Pulpit and the Table (for communion). This is why we call the Christian Ministry the “Ministry of Word and Sacrament.” It emphasizes the centrality of grace we find in Christ. This grace is proclaimed through the preached Word. It is enacted through the visible signs of the Sacraments. The PCEA understands this ministry to be “the gift of our Lord Jesus Christ for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Practice and Procedure, Article 5.3)
4. Again, the 10% theology of tithing is usually premised on a narrow understanding of Old Testament passages. If we are to tithe like the Old Testament Jewish believers, we would need to tithe more than that. The tithe required would actually be higher. In the New Testament, the principle of giving is what is recommended. Giving should be:
   • proportionate – i.e., you can’t tithe 90% to your pastor and remain with 10% for your daily needs;
   • sacrificial – i.e., you can tithe more than 10% if you are led to do so by the Holy Spirit. If the need at that particular time demands it, and you are convicted to do so, give accordingly. An example is the poor widow who gave abundantly from the little she had (Mark 12:41-44 and Luke 21:1-4)
   • freely and thankfully – i.e., we give as a response to what God has done to us in Christ, and not out of coercion. The practice of tithing may be a practical way to ensure consistent giving to the work of God. If that is the underlying principle, then it does not depart from biblical teaching.
5. Lastly, if someone can tithe 10% as a basis for removing existing loans, it emphasizes a works-based approach. This relates to the Christian life. How is this different from paying indulgences? A Priest would favorably present a Christian to God, which was a concern during the Reformation era. This strikes at the very nature of our understanding of grace, which is very concerning.

Balancing Grace and Truth

In this brief blog post, I have responded to the teaching on tithing. Rev. Kahiga is a colleague in the ministry, who has provided Christian nurture to many. In this post, I show that this specific view of tithing is unwarranted. As a pastor, I am aware of the significant financial strains that necessitate people taking loans. However, the cure to loan repayment is proper financial management. Over-spiritualizing the issue as an issue of “tithing” and “altars” misses the point. Familiarity with the Bible helps us with both practical life issues as well as spiritual issues. Tithing is a spiritual practice that strengthens the ministry of the Church and forms us deeply as Christians. It is not to be coerced but encouraged, and freely practiced by Christians. This will help us maintain healthy and sustainable ministries, while also honoring God’s Word from misuse.