This book is part of the Ancient Practices Series which is a set of eight books that explore eight different disciplines of faith. The Author explores the particular topic of tithing through the telling of stores about people who practice this discipline. Each person told about are from different spiritual, social, and economic backgrounds. Some stories are from the Author's personal knowledge and interaction with the person or interviewed. While there are persons introduced that are part of those person's circle (i.e. a parishioner, or spouse or background on family history of those interviewed). There is a study-guide included for each chapter at the back of the book. I picked this book to read because frankly it is a topic that I rarely hear about in the pulpit these days. The stories shared by the author opened my eyes to thoughts and discussions about tithing. It's more than a lecture and a call to open up the checkbook. It's all about a call to open up the purse-strings of one's heart. There are some debates about a certain portion being given as mentioned in the Old Testament and the idea of "grace" bringing in an age of more service-orientated tithe. In the end I have to admit that i was pre-disposed to dislike the book, but the actual reading of it change my mind! The stories were warm and engaging and tackled the information in a way that a regular person can understand without seeking a Masters degree in Theology. I have a firmer grip and understanding of the discipline of tithing and why I should practice it for myself. I truly enjoyed this book and plan to look for more books in this series.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through a book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"'Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this' says the LORD Almighty, 'and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.'" Malachi 3:10, NIV

when you pick up Tithing by Douglas Leblanc there's a question on the back of the book: "In these uncertain economic times, does it really make sense to tithe?"

do you ask yourself this question?

does your community of faith ask this question?

i've been challenged by this question and the importance of tithing.

Tithing is a volume in the wonderful Ancient Practices Series from Thomas Nelson. edited by Phyllis Tickle, the series covers beautiful spiritual practices that have been observed throughout spiritual history.

Tithing is a great addition to the works. it's well written and easy to follow.

it's not merely a book about tithing, it's a book about community and fellowship with God and with others.

Tithing contains thoughts and reflections from many generations and many traditions. Leblanc shares from the many conversations he had regarding the ancient pracitce of tithing.

this is a wonderful book. i recommend it for anyone on a spiritual journey.

Eleven different stories come together to tell the story of peoples experiences with tithing. Each story discusses how they came to the decision to not only tithe, but to tithe faithfully. Some of the stories are shared as a couple invites Leblanc in for a glimpse of their life. Some are the stories of individuals. But the connection that ties all of the stories together is the fact that tithing has made a tangible difference in the way that they live out their faith but how they view their finances.

The stories were inspiring and gave a refreshing look on the aspect of tithing. There is much debate about whether tithing should continue, whether to tithe of the net or gross income. But that was not what this book was about. It was a gathering of people who decided to share what tithing meant to them and how God fulfilled the promise of Malachi 3:10 in their lives. This was not a typical approach to the topic, but it allowed the book to be read with an open mind and open heart/ Depending on how open you are to the topic will determine how much of impact the book will have you and your view on tithing.

I finished the book with a better understanding of tithing, Tithing doesn't just offer scripture and the Biblical perspective, but it's personal. It's also not just a matter of " I gave my tithe and God provided". The people who shared their stories struggled and they had to wait, they had to adjust their living so that they could faithfully tithe. I also leave with a different impression of what tithing is really about. It's not simply an obligation, or a discipline of faith. It is good stewardship.

I received a complimentary copy of Tithing: test me in this by Douglas Leblanc through Booksneeze.com book review bloggers program. Opinions stated are my own. A positive review is not required. This is disclosed in accordance to Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Douglas Leblanc has worked as en editor for Compassion International, Episcopalians United, and Christianity Today; and his work has appeared in Christian Research Journal, The Weekly Standard and The Wall Street Journal.

First off let me just say that Leblanc's book on tithing is not a theological treatise on the biblical understanding of giving. It's not quite 200 pages and the font type is very readable. So just know that reading this book is a journey and a story and not necessarily a lecture. I have read a lot of critics of the Ancient Practice Series who seem to be hungering for "meat" at the table, but I would remind them all that "learning" can also take place from the shared experiences of others. The Wesleyian Quadrilateral reminds us that we can arrive at theological understanding through four different sources: scripture, tradition, reason, and experience. And I would argue that the Ancient Practice Series tends to pull from the reason and experience side more than the scripture and tradition side.

The book is a series of eleven interviews conducted across the country gathering the views of various people who have a dedicated commitment to tithing. The stories come from a conservative evangelical, an Episcopalian priest, a progressive activist, a pacifist, a Roman Catholic monsignor, a church pastor, an Eastern Orthodox author, and a seventh day adventist who converted from Judaism.

Leblanc's book begins with a beautifully written introduction that briefly summaries his own journey as well as a nice "shout out" to the church fathers. Leblanc offers this quote from the Conferences of John Cassian:

"So if even those who, faithfully offering tithes of their fruits, are obedient to the more ancient precepts of the Lord, cannot yet climb the heights of the gospel, you can see very clearly how far short of it those fall who do not even do this." ~ John Cassian

I would recommend this book to people who like documentaries and stories about people. I would recommend this book to anyone who wanted to read modern tales that contained a new and perhaps fresh look at how tithing is practiced today.

This volume did not disappoint! I initially expected that the book would be a scriptural investigation of the phenomenon of tithing, but there is not a in-depth exegesis of the various biblical texts in this book. Instead, its just an intimate look at different people in all sorts of different backgrounds, exploring their stories for the way in which tithing and faith have met. Leblanc has really written in a style that captures the warmth and depth of the narratives of these people's lives. In some ways, the stories reveal how truly vulnerable one can become when you make yourself commit to tithing, and how that vulnerability is rewarded in so many unexpected ways.Many of the stories (each awarded a chapter in the book) are excellent and fun to read. I especially enjoyed the story of Ron and Arbutus Sider, whose powerful "Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger" inspires me. Seeing how these two faithful Christians incorporate tithing holistically into their lives of simplicity was marvelous. I also enjoyed that Leblanc interviewed those outside the Christian tradition to get their thoughts on the topic - the story with Rabbi Yisroel Miller is excellent.I recommend this title happily. The series is excellent and I plan in the near future to use it as a series for a book club. For all those interested in searching for that "Ancient/Future Faith" - this series is an excellent starting point. For those wondering how to better commit to the practice of tithing, this book will reveal the wonder and the dependency (and perhaps the glory) that is in store.Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their Book Sneeze program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.