Description

Michelle M. Lowry examines the historical and scriptural foundations of tithing, generosity, and prosperity in this 46-page book. She illuminates the tithe rules and practices from ancient times to the present. Many misconceptions are separatein Lowry, including the ideas that prosperity is equated with the acquisition of material goods, that one must give to receive, and that tithing is a requirement of contemporary Christianity. Her research shows that tithing was solely a Jewish custom; it served mainly as an act of charity to help the underprivileged and those in need; it was not practiced outside of Israel; and after the destruction of the Temple, tithing ceased in Judaism, though charitable deeds continued as an alternative to the Temple's sacrifices, among other things. Michelle M. Lowry makes the case for achieving biblical prosperity without compulsion by citing numerous academic works in Hebrew, Greek, and English. Prosperity is defined as feeling safe, comfortable, at ease, or rest; it also refers to having peace, or shalom; it also refers to being entire and whole, thanks to God, who lives and dwells inside. Real prosperity has much more worth than the simple amassing of material goods if one has an understanding of what it is. Real wealth is found in life Life in and with God.