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BEYOND TITHES & OFFERINGS

Name: BEYOND TITHES & OFFERINGS
Author: Michael L. Webb
ISBN: 978-1-5413-1247-0

A CLOSER LOOK AT TRADITIONAL GIVING AND ITS IMPACT ON CHRISTIAN RESPONSIBILITY

by Michael L. Webb Mitchell T. Webb ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 1, 2017

A surprisingly relevant and thorough look at why tithing may not be a legitimate choice for churches and for Christians.

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A comprehensive refutation of the modern concept of tithing.

In this unique debut work, brothers Michael L. Webb and Mitchell T. Webb take on a sacred cow of Christian praxis—the tithe. Despite innumerable divisions in Christianity over theology, styles of worship, and almost every other aspect of religious life, virtually no one seems to have seriously (or, at least, openly) argued against the practice of tithing. The Webbs change that with this lengthy book, in which they leave no stone unturned in their refutation of the tithe as a practice for raising church money. The authors show a keen awareness of the fact that too many churches make the subject of tithing an uncomfortable and unwelcoming focus of their teachings. The idea that generosity only begins after an obligatory tithe has been paid, they say, serves only to discourage heartfelt giving. “Christians should be liberal and cheerful givers,” the authors note, but they assert that a system of tithes and offerings “does more harm than good.” The Webbs make a simple, straightforward argument in this thorough work, saying that, from a biblical perspective, the tithe has nothing to do with money. Old Testament tithing referred to crops and livestock, they say, and never to monetary wages. (Similarly, the idea of “firstfruits” is said to be agricultural in nature, not economical.) The Webbs also assert that Christians aren’t required to follow such Old Testament rules. Quite to the contrary, they say that tithing, as a budgeting structure for local churches, takes assistance away from the sick and needy. Overall, this work is strikingly well-researched and documented. However, the authors’ tendency to hint at major themes without revealing them outright can be frustrating. For instance, readers are forced to wait for more than 300 pages before they learn why the authors feel that tithing inhibits the overall giving of a church community.

A surprisingly relevant and thorough look at why tithing may not be a legitimate choice for churches and for Christians.

Pub Date: March 1, 2017

ISBN: 978-1-5413-1247-0

Page Count: 414

Publisher: CreateSpace

Review Posted Online: May 13, 2017

Review Program: Kirkus Indie

Categories:

GENERAL NONFICTION

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NUTCRACKER

by E.T.A. Hoffmann ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 28, 1996

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This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)

Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996

ISBN: 0-15-100227-4

Page Count: 136

Publisher: Harcourt

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996

Categories:

GENERAL NONFICTION

- BOOK REVIEW
THE NUTCRACKER AND THE MOUSE KING
by E.T.A. Hoffmann ; adapted by Natalie Andrewson ; illustrated by Natalie Andrewson

- BOOK REVIEW
THE NUTCRACKER
by E.T.A. Hoffmann & illustrated by Julie Paschkis

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TO THE ONE I LOVE THE BEST

EPISODES FROM THE LIFE OF LADY MENDL (ELSIE DE WOLFE)

by Ludwig Bemelmans ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 23, 1955

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An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.