There is no scriptural basis for requiring Christians to tithe

Your response made me smile, although I had hoped for a more sophisticated answer. Somethings, however, the answers are simple than we make them. So, thank you for keeping things on the ground. The 1 Cor 9:7 scripture is one of my favorite examples of New Testament giving. The the words "no reluctantly or under compulsion" are the keys here. Many preachers will agree with that scripture, but then add that it address one's MOTIVES for giving. But, that is not what that scripture says. A few key points: "Each man should give what HE has decided in his heart to give" This does not sound like the tithing mandate at all. The "man" decides what he wants to give in this example, not God. It does not even state that one should give "what the Holy Spirit places upon your heart". It states that we make the choice. "not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver" This also makes it clear that the giving should not be painful. What we give should be out of what God has blessed us with, out of our abundance, not an Old Testament "sacrificial offering". My opponent has taken a bit of a week opposing stance, since he admits that there is no scriptural premise for the 10%, and that it is "ridiculous" because of what his giving habits are. So, in essence, I have already won this debate: He does, however, introduce a good thought in his comment: ". .. but there are also no laws in the Bible against about giving money to the church. " I agree. I think we should be willing to give to anything that we feel we want to support. But, things drastically change when preachers teach that one is CURSED for not tithing when, again, there is no scriptural premise for that arguement. They use Malachi 3 to teach from, but forget to read Malachi 1 which clearly states that the people WERE tithing. But, the food was rotten and making the priests sick. That is what Malachi 3 is addressing. Again, tithe was always food. "I don't find that the priest or the pastor will snatch your and punch you just because you didn't tithe. " No, but there are churches that certainly teach that you are under a curse, robbing God, and in disobedience if you do not give. My opponent brought another great example of NT giving in the following verse: 1 Corinthian 16:1-2 " 1Now about the collection for God's people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. 2On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. " This is another example of free will offerings that we actually taken up - get ready - FOR THE SAINTS. The gentile churches regularly contributed towards the disciples' campaign to provide for the poor in Jerusalem. In addition, early Christain giving was always aimed at meeting needs, not providing for the livelihood of pastors and buildings. In terms of bringing Pringles to the church, at least it's more scriptural than 10% of your hard earned money. Just think, if all Christians were to redirect their giving to solving world hunger, we actually have enough money to solve it many times over. I look forward to a great response.