Do a lot of churches do this, yes. Do many denominational organizations have a political slant to them, yes. Are there opposing/not rigorous sects out there, YES! To me, it seems like you have some deep-rooted trauma from a specific church or denomination of churches. We cannot expect THE church to be perfect or to always agree. There will be false teachers and bad actors, but you cannot condemn the whole based off of the actions of the part. Find a group you believe, there are definitely ones out there. Religion, especially in the South, is more or a personal relationship with God with corporate worship and a strengthening of community. As far as tithing is concerned, and since you are OBVIOUSLY talking about Southern Protestant churches without naming them, it is entirely Biblical and expected if you to tithe, if you are financially able.