Although I haven't read all the posts, and I apologize ahead of time for not doing so, I thought I'd chime in. Being a pastor in America has it challenges, and If individuals choose to ignore my comments in light of all the problems (real or imagined) that America has inflicted upon the world, I understand.

There are several issues at hand, one being the tithe, the other the offering. The bible speaks of both, and in many instances, together. (I.E. Tithes & Offerings) There are also the issues of "giving", and/or "sharing".

Historically, we must remember that in the days of Abraham, there was no national leadership, other than Abraham himself. Even under Moses, the leadership the Hebrews had known was foreign and oppressive, (Egyptians.)
When Moses set up the tabernacle, the tribe of Levi was set apart from the other 11 tribes to tend to "temple" or tabernacle duties. The Levites were the priests and also the police. When judgment came from God, it was the Levites who were responsible for executing justice, even when it called for blood. The Levites were the judges, the police, and the tabernacle servants. As a result, the tithe became the way the tribe of Levi was "paid". They did not work as other tribes did, but were relegated to temple duties, and as a result, needed to be compensated. The compensation came in as "first fruits". These actual "fruits" became the food for the Levites, and eventually the coin became the medium of exchange. The tithe then was essentially what today we call "the tax".

The tax (tithe) was to pay government employees. (I.E. the Levites) Who were responsible for the welfare, safety and security of the people. They were not the army (each tribe contributed to the national army including the Levites) but were instead the government within the new nation of Israel. They eventually became the Sanhedrin, the scribes and Pharisees.

The abuse began to take hold as what was meant to be an "offering" rendered for services, eventually became a mandate. Jesus speaks to this cold hearted form of "government" often in the New Testament. He continually chastises the Pharisees for turning their hearts away from God. What happened? Well, the story of the money-changers in the temple speaks to this corruption. Jesus says they, the elite government ruling class, had turned the house of God into a den of robbers. This elite class were descendants of the tribe of Levi.

Today, we have a different form of government. Somewhere in history, secular government has taken control away from religious organizations and replaced it with the rule of law, in some countries. This is true in America, but not the whole world. Many countries still rely on the Clergy to keep the peace. In many countries, the "holy men" are equal with Heads Of State.

In America, it is my opinion, that the tithe is no longer valid. My reasoning is simple. The church (clergy, or "Levites" are no longer responsible for the welfare of the people, or their security. The government handles this with police, FBI, fire departments, judges, magistrates, and courts. The people pay taxes (30%-50% of their income) to the government for these services. For the church to take an additional 10% may be considered oppressive. The church is attempting to claim ground based on spiritual principles by saying, "We are the spiritual Israel" and "We take care of your immortal souls, " This kind of talk is gibberish. Each person is responsible for his/her own salvation according the bible. If you currently pay taxes for services like "law and order", protection, national security, etc, and the church is not providing it directly, then the church is not validated to receive the tithe.

Pastors have become arrogant by demanding the tithe and put fear into people by claiming damnation if you don't pay it. This is devilish. The word of God is meant to set people free, not put them in bondage. If pastors are real pastors, they provide the services of: comforting the sick and oppressed, taking care of widows and orphans, praying for the sick and needy, encouraging the church, and being an example of humility. As people see this compassion in action, it should (hopefully) compel them to give. This heartfelt gift is what we call "offerings".

If you are the regular recipient of comfort, good advise, wisdom, prayer, and encouragement, then you should be a cheerful giver in return, for you are fortunate indeed. This regular giving on the part of an individual represents their approval and agreement with the pastor's actions and the church vision and direction. If the church starts becoming arrogant, people may decide to quit giving. And so it goes on and on,

The reason pastors start demanding and oppressing the people is because it's easier than humility. Pride is always easier than humility.

If you want to stop corruption in churches, stop giving money to oppressive churches, and start giving it to humble leaders who walk with integrity. In this, we align ourselves with the will of God, for God gives grace to the humble, but destroys the proud, and those who align themselves with such.

Thanks for a great posting