I am a Catholic but not a Roman Catholic or a Protestant.
Did Jesus ask for money, I think he gave on another subject entirely and asked for something much more. that's the key ! as for money Jesus pointed that out who's face was on that coin, was only due to that dude.
The Church does not need money, the Holy Spirit is the only thing it needs.
True Christians give due to the Grace that's within them for others Spiritual Wealth first and foremost and that's what the path to Salvation is about, money never helped anyone spiritually.
God has provided all the things upon this earth (our estate), to sustain a mans Life (blood).
However man has stepped in and claims for himself, or oppresses for men to access what God freely provided.
When God established Aaron as Preist, and later the 12 Tribes, Levites being the Preistly Tribe, not given Land, as they were to travel about ministering to the other Tribes; the People were to "support", the Priests, that were "feeding" the the people (the Word of God).
The "support", was initially, giving them a place to sleep, a meal, sandals, clothing, a place to wash...even perhaps a few coins as money became in use....etc.
The same was effected when Jesus walked about ministering. He ate in other peoples homes, was given things and money and traveled about. And Judas was the treasure accountant of the money.
Today is the same expectation, for men to "support", whatever is FEEDING them the Word of God. And today, since the Churches are established as a BUSINESS; they fall under the civil laws, as a BUSINESS.
Giving a Church Minister or the Established Church (as an entity) a GIFT of "things", because they ARE a business; becomes TAXIBLE items. And giving "money", becomes tax exempt, and deductible, and all the nonsense involved with our wishy washy tax system.
The premise has not changed. Give to the one who FEEDS you the Word of God.
The Churches (as an entity), continuously make "promises", setting up programs, food banks, missionaries, homes for wayward teens, on and on. Thus the Church REQUIRES money to support these efforts, and promises, and thus is always begging their parishoners' to promise to give them money, so the Church (entity) can make good on "IT"S" promises....and then the Church (entity) gets the glory as being famous for handouts and the poor.
The thing is; the POOR in Scripture, concerning the Church, is not the poor whose stomach is hungry, but rather the POOR in Spirit.
The purpose of the Church IS to FEED the POOR IN Spirit.
The Church has become a mini government.
They can not DEMAND one gives, (as a government does via taxiation). But they can beg and bully and harass and guilt trip people, and do. No doubt some people cheerfully give....and also No doubt some people feel bullied into giving.
God Bless,
Taken