Controversial Nigerian cleric, Pastor Odumeje, has slammed pastors who make tithing a major focus of their sermons, describing it as “criminal” to suggest that Christians must pay tithes to make heaven or receive blessings from God.
Key Highlights
- Odumeje says it is “criminal” to tell Christians they must pay tithes to make heaven.
- The cleric insists tithing is real but should not be the central message in church.
- He says paying tithe should be a personal matter between a Christian and God.
- Odumeje alleges some churches prosper because members submitted to “brainwash”.
- His remarks were made in a video circulating on social media.
The Anambra-based preacher made the remarks in a video circulating on social media, where he questioned the practice of presenting tithe payment as a condition for salvation and divine favour.
Odumeje maintained that Christians should be allowed to decide whether to pay their tithes without being made to feel that failure to do so would prevent them from receiving blessings or entering heaven.
“If you don’t pay your tithe, you cannot go to heaven. If you don’t pay your tithe, God will not bless you. I am not here for that kind of nonsense,” he said.
‘Tithe Is Real, But That Is Not Why You’re In Church’
The cleric clarified that he believes tithing is real, but argued that churches should not make the practice the central message of their teachings.
According to him, Christians who wish to pay their tithes should do so as a personal matter between themselves and God, rather than out of fear of losing divine blessings or their chance of salvation.
“If you want to pay God’s tithe, it’s between you and God. Tithe is real, but that is not why you’re in church to be teaching,” Odumeje added.
Describing the emphasis some churches place on tithing as “criminal,” the prophet also questioned the spiritual claims associated with churches that make the practice a major part of their teachings.
“That is criminal. And God can never perform the kind miracle he is performing in those kind of churches,” he said.
Odumeje further alleged that some churches record financial prosperity because members have been influenced by teachings he described as brainwashing.
“They will be prospering because you submitted to their brainwash. That’s all,” he added.
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The Tithing Debate
The cleric’s comments have brought renewed attention to the debate over tithing in Christianity, particularly the role of financial giving in church teachings and whether failure to pay tithes should be linked to salvation or divine blessings.
Tithing, commonly understood in many Christian denominations as giving a tenth of one’s income, remains a subject of differing interpretations among churches and religious leaders.
While some churches teach it as an important biblical obligation, others place greater emphasis on voluntary giving and individual conviction.
Odumeje’s remarks add to the ongoing conversation about the responsibilities of church leaders, financial contributions by worshippers and the interpretation of biblical teachings on giving.
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