INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
David F. Burg (2004) proffers an understanding of the concept of tithe when he defined tithe as the payment of one-tenth of income as one’s contribution to a religious place of worship, clergy, or churches or as a compulsory tax to the government. Currently, tithes are paid in cash, cheques, or stocks and are regarded as voluntary as against the ancient times when tithes were paid in kind such as agricultural products. In some European countries, tithing is regarded as a formal process linked to the tax system which enables 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, trumpet ma’aser, and ma’aser sheni. The Christian folds of recent times of many denominations hold the belief of tithing as it is mentioned by Jesus When he was confronted with the matter by the Jew. Jesus Christ 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 was 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 into 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 times among Christians to whom the injunction of tithing was given. 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 divide to the perception, attitude, and acceptance of tithing. While it is accepted in some denominations, it is criticized by many others as means of exploiting the Christian fold. The problem confronting 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.
1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
The Main Objective of the study 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; 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 the envisaged objective.
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 one contribution to a religious place of worship, clergy, or churches or as a compulsory tax to the government.
CHRISTIANS DEFINED
Christians are regarded as followers of Jesus Christ or as anything about the Christian religion.
