Jordan - Exodus 30

Perhaps, many of the mainline denominations are struggling because we lack threats.  In these chapters, much of the rituals are done precisely so that the people required to do them "will not die."  That's about as good a motivator as any, I suppose! 

What really grabs me in this chapter is the half shekel for atonement.  A bit of silver and you are among the chosen!  This reminds me a lot of the Catholic Indulgences that Martin Luther complained so much about.  Why would this monetary payment come from the mouth of God?  Was it to pay for the start-up of His church?