Ep. 1040: Do Tithes and Offerings Belong in Christianity?

What is the business of Christianity? What are we here to do and how is it supposed to be accomplished? To cut through all of the rhetoric, what does it monetarily cost to follow Jesus – is it 10% of your income?  More?  How much of our Christian message, method and motivation is based – should be based - on our church's and our pastor's financial statements?  As with any issue regarding Christian belief, there are countless ways we can interpret this answer.  When Israel was established by God as His chosen nation, there was a definitive system put in place that actually supported the priesthood and the tribe of Levi.  With such a clear path of tithes and support in place, many Christians firmly believe that we as Jesus’ disciples should follow that same path.  On the other hand, many Christians believe that an entirely opposite approach is more appropriate.  So, who is right?