AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE ATTITUDES OF CHRISTIANS TOWARDS TITHING AMONG SELECTED CHRISTIANS IN IKARE-AKOKO, ONDO STATE, NIGERIA

ABSTRACT Tithing in Christianity is phenomena that have generated an intense debate from scholars around the globe, it is a subject of discourse, in that many have tried to understand why so much emphasis is laid on it. The debate mostly is not whether tithe is biblical, but rather, it is its application men and women of God in the contemporary society, which is the problem. In Ikare - Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria, there is a lack of knowledge and understanding of the concept of tithing among selected Christians. This lack of understanding has led to varying attitudes towards tithing, with some Christians being enthusiastic about tithing while others are skeptical or hesitant. The study therefore seek to shed light on the factors influencing attitudes towards tithing among Christians in Ikare - Akoko. The aim of the study investigate the attitudes of Christians towards tithing among selected Christians in Ikare - Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria, while the objectives of the study is to examine the level of knowledge and understanding of tithing among Christians in Ikare – Akoko, to explore the reasons why some Christians in the community tithe regularly, while others do not tithe or tithe inconsistently, and to examine the role of religious beliefs and teachings in shaping attitudes towards tithing among Christians in Ikare – Akoko. Phenomenological, analytical and descriptive approaches were adopted. The study also employ both primary and secondary source to achieve the best on the topic. The primary source includes oral interview with respective representatives to collect relevant information on the related topic, while the secondary source includes internet materials, and textbooks, online materials and library. Findings from the study shows that many factors were attributed to the attitude and activities of these preachers towards tithing such as poverty, unemployment, the socio-economic situation in Nigeria and ignorance, to name a few, have contributed to the present attention given to tithe and seed sowing amongst these preachers. The study concluded that it is true that the negative implications of tithe and seed sowing have tainted Christianity as the money-making venture; yet, many have benefitted from the proceeds. The proceeds from tithe and seed sowing, as discussed in this article, have helped in poverty alleviation and some other developmental projects in the church, which is of great importance to the members. Nevertheless, one has to understand that the biblical injunction of tithe is not the same as the practice of tithe amongst the Christians in Nigeria today. The study therefore recommend that emphasis should be more on the acts of righteousness, hard work and patience, which will yield the fruit of prosperity. This will go a long way of eliminating corruption, insecurity, killings of innocent people and other ill activities in the society.