MustachianAccountant, I've fully read both of the documents you linked to.
They are well written and thought out, but I wish the credentials of the authors were clear. I have forwarded them on to one of our pastors, as I would agree that our material, while clearly starting with the fact that is in recognition that everything is God's does convolute things. It contain points that are opposed to what these studies point out. I do think the one section in Narramore's writing where he shows all the different interpretations and uses it to point out that God would be unlikely to leave something that is taught to be so core so open to interpretation carries the most impact. I felt the first study was more Scripturally focused and I believe that is because it seems Carle has some theological background, where I have no idea is Narramore has any credentials.
In short I have no disagreement with what they point out, that everything is God's and therefore we should give according to the Holy Spirit, not some doctrine that they argue no longer applies. They did a good job of going through the verses and explaining them based on the knowledge I have, but I've not been trained in seminary, so I will be curious what my pastors make of it (and frankly if they will make any effort at all. I believe they will, but not sure they will read in detail). I'd like to believe that what they say is true, that a truly born again Christian led by the Spirit will likely give even more than 10% if the need is there, and I have no reason to doubt that. As I have stated many times over in this thread, I give 10% not out of compulsion, or obligation, but rather because I feel that is right and what I feel called to give by the Spirit. I have not always done that, and our move to 10% is only about two years old, and the shift was definitely from within, not from haranguing by our pastors. They almost never talk about the topic. For me it's still non-negotiable and for reasons entirely in line with what your two sources indicate. Thanks for sharing, I always enjoy a good Bible study and these both had me digging in further to see if I agreed with their context in the broader chapters, and they did.