Are Offerings a Perversion of God’s Word? Question 26.

Jonathan Shuttlesworth, in his book and YouTube blog 35 Questions for Those Who Hate the Prosperity Gospel, asks whether offerings are a perversion of God’s Word or a biblical mandate. He defends giving offerings, tracing its roots back to Genesis and quoting passages such as Luke 6:38, Malachi 3:10, and 2 Corinthians 9:6-7. While offerings are indeed biblical, Shuttlesworth’s argument distorts their purpose and context by conflating biblical principles of giving with prosperity theology.

This blog critically evaluates Shuttlesworth’s claims, analyzes the cited Scriptures, and provides theologically and hermeneutically sound teaching on offerings and generosity.

1. Are Offerings in the Bible?

Biblical Basis for Offerings

1. Old Testament Offerings:

   • Genesis 4:3-5: Cain and Abel brought offerings to the Lord. Abel’s offering was accepted, while Cain’s was not.

     
     

     • The text highlights the heart and intent behind the offering, not the amount or type.

       
       

   • Job 1:5: Job regularly offered sacrifices on behalf of his children, demonstrating his devotion to God.

   • Exodus 23:15: Under the Mosaic Law, no one was to appear before the Lord empty-handed. Offerings were a central part of worship.

     
     

2. New Testament Offerings:

   • Luke 6:38: “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.”

     
     

     • This verse emphasizes the principle of generosity, not a transactional promise of financial return.

       
       

   • 2 Corinthians 9:6-7: Paul encourages cheerful giving, highlighting the heart of generosity over compulsion.

     
     

Critical Insight

Offerings are deeply rooted in Scripture as a means of worship, gratitude, and obedience. However, their purpose is to honour God and support the community of faith, not to secure material blessings.

2. Analyzing Shuttlesworth’s Claims

Claim 1: “The Reward System for Offerings Is in the Bible”

Shuttlesworth argues that offerings come with a divine reward system, quoting passages like Malachi 3:10 and Luke 6:38.

Contextual Analysis

1. Malachi 3:10:

   • “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 there will not be room enough to store it.”

   • This verse addresses Israel’s failure to support the temple and the Levites. The promise of blessing is tied to their covenantal obedience, not a universal guarantee of wealth.

     
     

2. Luke 6:38:

   • This verse emphasizes the principle of generosity and relational harmony, not a formula for financial gain.

     
     

Critical Insight

While Scripture affirms that God blesses generosity, these passages are often misused to promote a transactional view of giving. Biblical giving is motivated by faith and love, not a desire for material reward.

Claim 2: “God Says There Is a Curse for Not Giving”

Shuttlesworth cites Malachi 3:6-9 to argue that withholding offerings brings a curse.

Contextual Analysis

1. Malachi’s Context:

   • The passage addresses Israel’s covenantal obligations under the Mosaic Law. The “curse” reflects the consequences of disobedience within that specific covenant.

   • In the New Testament, believers are under the New Covenant, where giving is an act of grace, not compulsion (2 Corinthians 9:7).

     
     

2. New Testament Perspective:

   • Paul never ties curses to giving but emphasizes grace, cheerfulness, and faithfulness.

     
     

Critical Insight

Shuttlesworth misapplies Malachi’s covenantal context to New Testament believers. While generosity remains a biblical principle, it is not tied to curses under the New Covenant.

Claim 3: “Offerings Were a Central Part of Worship”

Shuttlesworth correctly notes that offerings were integral to worship in both the Old and New Testaments. However, he conflates the biblical practice of offerings with the promises of prosperity theology.

Critical Analysis

1. Heart of Worship:

   • Offerings are an expression of worship and gratitude, as seen in Abel’s offering (Genesis 4:4) and the widow’s mite (Mark 12:41-44).

     
     

2. Warnings Against Exploitation:

   • 2 Corinthians 2:17: “Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit.”

   • The Bible warns against using offerings as a means of personal enrichment or manipulation.

     
     

3. Addressing Ethical Concerns

The Problem of Exploitation

Many prosperity preachers have used Scripture to manipulate audiences into giving, promising financial blessings in return. This practice often preys on the vulnerable and misrepresents biblical teaching.

1. Biblical Warnings:

   • Matthew 23:14: Jesus condemns religious leaders who exploit the vulnerable for personal gain.

   • 1 Timothy 6:5: Paul warns against those who view godliness as a means to financial gain.

     
     

2. Accountability and Transparency:

   • Ministers must ensure that offerings are used to further God’s Kingdom, support the needy, and maintain transparency in financial matters.

     
     

Examples of Abuse

Several prosperity preachers in the U.S. and Canada have faced scandals related to financial exploitation:

1. Kenneth Copeland (U.S.): Criticized for extravagant spending and lack of financial transparency.

2. Creflo Dollar (U.S.): Faced backlash for soliciting funds for a private jet.

3. Benny Hinn (U.S.): Publicly repented for his role in promoting prosperity theology.

4. Todd Coontz (U.S.): Convicted of tax fraud and accused of financial exploitation.

   
   

4. The Biblical Purpose of Offerings

Worship and Gratitude

Offerings are an act of worship, reflecting gratitude for God’s provision and a heart aligned with His purposes.

Supporting the Community

Biblical offerings supported the temple, Levites, and those in need:

• Acts 4:34-35: Early Christians shared their resources to meet each other’s needs.

  
  

Eternal Perspective

The New Testament redirects believers to store up treasures in heaven, focusing on eternal rewards rather than earthly gain (Matthew 6:19-21).

Conclusion: Are Offerings a Perversion of God’s Word?

Offerings are deeply rooted in Scripture as a means of worship, gratitude, and support for God’s work. However, Shuttlesworth’s interpretation often aligns with prosperity theology, emphasizing material rewards over the heart of generosity.

Biblical giving is motivated by love for God and others, not a desire for personal gain. Ministers must steward offerings with integrity, avoiding the manipulation and exploitation that have tainted the church’s witness.

Author: Evg. Bradley Sliedrecht BCL, M.Div. ✝️📖✨

(PhD Student)