[newzjunkey]

Clearly there is no agreement on how, why or whether to regarding Christian tithing. Reading on the topic, I've seen it all from the no tithing required to just consideration of tithing after tax as the Devil trying to trick you into putting money before God.

Their idea was all your money is really God's; forget all that rendering unto caesar stuff and if you're richer or poorer it's just God micromanaging your finances.

Among the more bizarre ideas I saw was that no person can decide where the tithe is to be used. I'm not sure how that works since churches are built, occupied and run by people.

People point to Leviticus yet ignore other parts that include diet and specific penalties for behaviors including stoning.

In the quote you offer from Matthew, He's speaking to Pharisees, Jews who naturally would be tithing. He is holding them to the standard of Jewish Law to highlight their hypocrisy. You seem to suggest Christians are not Christians if they aren't good Jews first and foremost.

[rusty millet]

In the OT, tithing supported the temple priests, distributions to the needy, and for maintenance of the temple. These needs are consistent within a balanced and functioning NT church.