Church Business

[harapan]

These are very disappointing.  Religion can never be a means of business.  Much of the world has not degenerated.  Humanity seems to be decreasing day by day.  We should take note of these and show these dishonest people the right path.  Because not everything goes with everything.  Religion is not a business.  One should never play any kind of joke on religion or think of earning money on dishonest feet.  Every religion teaches us morality.  A person who believes in a religion and is honest about it is the hallmark of an ideal person.

Generally,religion is supposed to cure us spiritually,but the people that engage in it presently have spoilt and exploited the religion because they don't even know what it is and means in the first place.

Have you noticed that many religions appear to be more focused on making money than on providing spiritual guidance,spiritual guidance which is supposed to be the main reason for having a religion.Some time ago,I came in contact with a question like "is religion the real scam."Actually,yes religion is also a scam scheme for the people that are involved in it.

Because there's a mixture of selfishness,greed,oppression e.t.c It is based on the psychological needs of humans.You see individuals,trying to accumulate wealth from their fellow human beings source of income and that's solely unethical.
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[franky1]

churches became profitable when they came up with the idea of how their flock should do "tivings" (tithing's)
basically give 10% of income to the church or other charities.

since then there have become many scam churches where they would sell prayers.. EG "if you donate, your dream will come true, the more you donate the sooner or more prosperous your dreams will become"

true churches dont make financial demands and instead are there to offer moral advice, in the form of scriptures/teachings (analogies/campfire stories)

capitalism however took over the churches main purpose
when simple weddings moved to courtroom/administrative building weddings. and the church started promoting the elegant, expensive venue hire, it all changed

centuries ago if you wanted a glamorous wedding/funeral you would private hire this. however this switched around whereby the biggest cost of a wedding/funeral is church based. where by private functions can be organised cheaper

churches have become a big business, as seen by the TV evangelical broadcasts that look more like a concert/convention rather than a church

[sekalitas]

Church is a religious place for the followers of the biblical Jesus Christ to worship and praise him
Of recent church is one of one the fastest growing business in this part of the world. Church business is so lucrative that every body wants to go into it and are opening churches
Infact the rate at which GOD is calling people into the ministry is what gave me concerned as I have been waiting for the same call but is not forth coming, before the advent of this present evegelical move people who where associated with the church where termed church rats but today that statement has changed as it is now the church rats that are giving food to the outside rats
Infact pastor's have become so rich that they now own private jets and millionaire, the way our economy is going opening a ministry is now a sure away of moving away from economic hardship
Guys let discuss what do you think about this, are these pastor's really being called or they are just looking for a way out of economic hardship

Unfortunately, some individuals exploit religion for financial gain. They may sell products or services using religious justifications to manipulate those who place trust in religious leaders. It's important to remember that these are isolated cases and don't reflect the true values of most religions, which often teach principles of compassion and selflessness.

This misuse of religion occurs across various faiths.  In today's world, we have access to vast amounts of information. It's wise to be discerning and verify information before blindly accepting anything, even if it comes from a religious leader

[MarjorieZimmermanGinger]

Unfortunately, some individuals exploit religion for financial gain. They may sell products or services using religious justifications to manipulate those who place trust in religious leaders. It's important to remember that these are isolated cases and don't reflect the true values of most religions, which often teach principles of compassion and selflessness.

This misuse of religion occurs across various faiths.  In today's world, we have access to vast amounts of information. It's wise to be discerning and verify information before blindly accepting anything, even if it comes from a religious leader

I don't think it's worth doing because religion is supposed to be a person's path to God. But we also have to think positively because not everyone will do something like that because of the urge of conscience every time they act in a much more sincere way. Any religion teaches to love and cherish each other, but the behavior of people in it may change. Religion is a guide for everyone in living their life and I think all religions encourage good values that must be carried out.

More precisely, we must say that individuals who explore religion and abuse it occur because they are controlled by the desire to obtain wealth in an easier way. But this should not be leveled at religious leaders because we still see many sincere religious leaders carrying out their duties more wisely.

[uneng]

Guys let discuss what do you think about this, are these pastor's really being called or they are just looking for a way out of economic hardship

I don't believe on these preachers and pastors. Most of them profit using the name of God in vain, deceiving and lying to the believers for their own benefit. It's true they do some charity work, help people in despair and rescue others from addiction and criminal life through their temples, but they also get a large share for themselves on the process, which is composed by the donations provided by the believers.

In my opinion, that is not fair, because the believers could be using that money for themselves, since they have lots of financial needs in life in most cases. Also, one of the worst aspects these preachers promote is the 'theology of prosperity' concept, where they promise the believers are going to be rewarded with tons of money if they donate to the temple, as it worked like a spiritual ponzi scheme managed by God himself... That is disgusting, but many people donate in the process expecting to receive a lot back later. These religions work around money, and in the scriptures it's said to not put money above God, so it's very contradictory from their part.

[Promocodeudo]

In as much as I wouldn't want to judge pastors, some pastors act are not commendable, though we wouldn't know the one that's called by the most high God, but we should judge so that we won't be judged too, in my country some people operate church as if it is a business, to my own understand church is the temple of our father and even though a donation is to be made those donations should be used for either church building and the congregation needs, what am trying to say is that charity donation emanating from church should go for the less privileged, am not criticizing pastors but I think anything that's good is worth doing well, in the society today pastors build with church money and people pay huge amount for school fees in those schools, though there is nothing we will say here today that will prevent this from happening but God knows the best.

[iv4n]

I think people need to check the "Zeitgeist" movie... "What do churches need? Money, money... and more money"

Churches do not pay taxes, except that the people give them money through various donations, and the state also gives them a lot of money. They own a lot of land and real estate, some of which are in very luxurious locations. Religions and churches are big businesses, besides they have their fingers in some other branches as well. I have always considered them as a kind of spy organization with its own clear structure and goals that go hand in hand with the state apparatus.

[Jating]

Church is a religious place for the followers of the biblical Jesus Christ to worship and praise him
Of recent church is one of one the fastest growing business in this part of the world. Church business is so lucrative that every body wants to go into it and are opening churches
Infact the rate at which GOD is calling people into the ministry is what gave me concerned as I have been waiting for the same call but is not forth coming, before the advent of this present evegelical move people who where associated with the church where termed church rats but today that statement has changed as it is now the church rats that are giving food to the outside rats
Infact pastor's have become so rich that they now own private jets and millionaire, the way our economy is going opening a ministry is now a sure away of moving away from economic hardship
Guys let discuss what do you think about this, are these pastor's really being called or they are just looking for a way out of economic hardship

It's been centuries already that the Church has uses it's power to grow their business and everything was in the history books for us to know. And with that religion is being taken advantage and we have heard pastor or church leaders being involved in a lot of controversies including money and the economy.

The Christians even have their own city, the Vatican, had their own rules, they have their own leaders.

And other Christian denominations here in our country are very rich as well, with all the donations and they even force their constituents to pay at least 10% of their monthly earnings to the Church.

[JoyMarsha]

Nowadays church has turned to business where anyone can open by themselves to claim they are called by God. That's why it is said in the Bible that the judgment of God will start in the church.

I remember years back, there were genuine pastors and they were called by God to preach salvation and repentance to the church but nowadays the gospel we know is no longer the same. Pastors now preach prosperity more and tithe offerings to the church without preaching salvation. Any pastor who preaches more salvation and repentance, you will find fewer church members in attendance but for any pastor who preaches financial blessings more, you will find many church followers, ready to give their all to the pastor.

So why won't people claim to be called by God because of that reason alone? Whereby they can earn big amounts from church offerings and tithes and also be respected by people.

[angrybirdy]

I think people need to check the "Zeitgeist" movie... "What do churches need? Money, money... and more money"

Churches do not pay taxes, except that the people give them money through various donations, and the state also gives them a lot of money. They own a lot of land and real estate, some of which are in very luxurious locations. Religions and churches are big businesses, besides they have their fingers in some other branches as well. I have always considered them as a kind of spy organization with its own clear structure and goals that go hand in hand with the state apparatus.

I am familiar with this film series that you mentioned, it shows what is really the reality behind the events in a place. What you said is true that the churches do not pay taxes and they do not release any money because they make money through the donations given by the devotees to their church, most of the time what should be a voluntary contribution is made compulsory because they release it in their mass that even if we don't have any money, we should learn to at least give especially to the house of the Lord which is the church.
That's where they show that the church is becoming a business because every time you go to church, you have to give a donation, what about other people who don't have money but just want to go to church and talk to the Lord, right?

[pinggoki]

In as much as I wouldn't want to judge pastors, some pastors act are not commendable, though we wouldn't know the one that's called by the most high God, but we should judge so that we won't be judged too, in my country some people operate church as if it is a business, to my own understand church is the temple of our father and even though a donation is to be made those donations should be used for either church building and the congregation needs, what am trying to say is that charity donation emanating from church should go for the less privileged, am not criticizing pastors but I think anything that's good is worth doing well, in the society today pastors build with church money and people pay huge amount for school fees in those schools, though there is nothing we will say here today that will prevent this from happening but God knows the best.

If they have a luxury car and they live better than most of their congregation then you'll know that you've got the right to judge that person as a preacher of the word of the Lord and to be morally superior because these people are the scum of the earth, they're not here to shepherd the weak and guide them to the light, they're the evil that Jesus warned us about, false prophets as I'd like to say. You don't have to worry about getting your judgment of these evil people hitting other good pastors, preachers and priests, they know that these people exists. For me, this was the thing that made me not as religious as I used to be, you follow what the holy book or whatever says and you're guaranteed a spot in heaven or paradise, whatever it may be but you got to give us that money that's not taxed because there's a separation of the church and the state. If you all want to pursue a money making without any guilt but you've got a good spot in hell reserved for you, megachurch business is probably the best thing for you.

[Uhwuchukwu53]

Church is a religious place for the followers of the biblical Jesus Christ to worship and praise him
Of recent church is one of one the fastest growing business in this part of the world. Church business is so lucrative that every body wants to go into it and are opening churches
Infact the rate at which GOD is calling people into the ministry is what gave me concerned as I have been waiting for the same call but is not forth coming, before the advent of this present evegelical move people who where associated with the church where termed church rats but today that statement has changed as it is now the church rats that are giving food to the outside rats
Infact pastor's have become so rich that they now own private jets and millionaire, the way our economy is going opening a ministry is now a sure away of moving away from economic hardship
Guys let discuss what do you think about this, are these pastor's really being called or they are just looking for a way out of economic hardship

Op this your topic is actually shaking the table very hard. Allot is happening in the various religious beliefs and way of worship today unlike before, it's like the original purpose to which is established, is no longer on hold but as a believer situation like this need not to move you because you would have been granded in the scripture as those things are written that it will happen.

The scripture said many shall say I am Christ,God and deceive many Nation fighting against nation,father against son etc this are the symbolic of Christ second coming to them that beliefs on this.

Note is not all that called Lord lord is of the lord , one of the major reason it has become a business beyond comprehension is that grace and mercy speakeasy the wrath if gid us not as quickly as a released bullet, people take it for granted but time will tell.

[AicecreaME]

There's a lot of people who are using God's words in order to deceive people to gain fame and money.

Well, a smart person would automatically will figure it out that a certain pastor is a fake one. However, since most of the people in the community is not a critical thinker, that's why they are easily brainwashed by these kind of pastor wannabe. So before going in a certain religion or sector, make a solid observation before deciding to be one of them.

[Miles2006]

Aside the economy and money issue, I feel the need of owning many Church everywhere is actually not necessary from my opinion personally. Not everyone will have same mindset as op but sincerely speaking people like this do exist and surprising people intend to attend churches with higher standards. I'm not against people who attend these church neither will I go against those pastors who do all this for the money. If what op wrote is accurate I think people need to change and start growing up with a developed mindset, being a pastor is not the only way to escape the bad economy situation so what's the point building a church without a call, respecting the body of Christ is necessary with integrity. Lastly not all area will face same issue so there's no point generalizing.

[Cookdata]

Church is a religious place for the followers of the biblical Jesus Christ to worship and praise him
Of recent church is one of one the fastest growing business in this part of the world. Church business is so lucrative that every body wants to go into it and are opening churches

I'm not a religion freaks but I think we just need to respect people's culture and what they believe in. In churches, we have a lot of professors, we have a lot of great people and smart people and they are the ones doing this donations. If indeed it's actually a business, many of them would have stop their belief in the way church is working but the fact that they are believers and still does this donations is okay to me even if right within me I feel it's not supposed to be that way, we just need to let's people believe what they want to.

Infact the rate at which GOD is calling people into the ministry is what gave me concerned as I have been waiting for the same call but is not forth coming, before the advent of this present evegelical move people who where associated with the church where termed church rats but today that statement has changed as it is now the church rats that are giving food to the outside rats
Infact pastor's have become so rich that they now own private jets and millionaire, the way our economy is going opening a ministry is now a sure away of moving away from economic hardship
Guys let discuss what do you think about this, are these pastor's really being called or they are just looking for a way out of economic hardship

You are right and you are very wrong.nwe have fake men of God that see church as a way of making money from the public, they hide under God's anointing power, collect tight just because the holy book says so, hire security guards for their own protection while the masses continue to loom within their own respective poverty. However, we have men of God that has been ministering word of God's for decades, perform many miracles and their Churcrh becomes so bigger because of their miracle and more people donate to them because they believe in them or has one way or the heal them.

Do you know that some church members personally donate money for these men of God and give them high position in high places, some pastors go as far as looking for political ambition, these are the ways some of them leave large and you can't stop man of God from enjoying the things of the world right.

[Woodie]

Church is a religious place for the followers of the biblical Jesus Christ to worship and praise him
Of recent church is one of one the fastest growing business in this part of the world. Church business is so lucrative that every body wants to go into it and are opening churches
Infact the rate at which GOD is calling people into the ministry is what gave me concerned as I have been waiting for the same call but is not forth coming, before the advent of this present evegelical move people who where associated with the church where termed church rats but today that statement has changed as it is now the church rats that are giving food to the outside rats
Infact pastor's have become so rich that they now own private jets and millionaire, the way our economy is going opening a ministry is now a sure away of moving away from economic hardship
Guys let discuss what do you think about this, are these pastor's really being called or they are just looking for a way out of economic hardship

For starters the world is not exclusively based on Christianity so let's not make a big fuzz out of this as we have several other religions out there coexisting !!

As of the increased number of churches coming up, let's just say people have cracked the code to say these places have ready help available to them and other benefits such as tax free incentives available to owners of the church..then there is a big gap of people desperate for a change of life through miracles which has attributed the rise of this number...and for some these are the best fronts for money laundering so reasons for the rise are plenty!!!

[Gozie51]

If what op wrote is accurate I think people need to change and start growing up with a developed mindset, being a pastor is not the only way to escape the bad economy situation so what's the point building a church without a call, respecting the body of Christ is necessary with integrity. Lastly not all area will face same issue so there's no point generalizing.

Rather people who have no business with God doings have forced themselves into the biblical world and use that as disguise like they are true converts of God's sheep. If truly church is performing its actual purpose then corruption should be an abomination in those places where churches are more prevalent, rather those politicians steal people's money and pay up tithes, give bountiful offerings then build churches, maintain them and gift cars to pastors making them to shut their mouth in the real admonition of those corruption going on in government. It is the church that is suppose to be vocal to call out corrupt government officials and politicians so that they can change from embezzling the public funds to utilizing them appropriately for the benefit of the people.

Again, joblessness has made some people run into becoming pastors and this is the bane to the economy because there won't be a progressive mind in a corrupt society.

[AbuBhakar]

Again, joblessness has made some people run into becoming pastors and this is the bane to the economy because there won't be a progressive mind in a corrupt society.

This is not true, not everyone can be a pastor and manage to start a religion so that everyone will follow him. Joblessness is not the reason why many choose this path but rather many see the potential of earning big by using their charisma to gain people trust in times of their darkest hour.

Even scam pastor has a charisma to attract followers because it’s impossible to gain followers without this so definitely having no job is not the main reason why they choose this path but rather they saw the potential to get quick rick through abusing people weakness on faith.

[ChiBitCTy]

I personally am not a very big fan of churches getting tax exemptions.  Not that it matters, or I guess it might matter in this context, but I'm an agnostic atheist, and I'm just not sure that any of these "god's" actually exist.  I mean there is no hard actual proof, so why do they get tax exemptions?

While I think some churches certainly have a level of legitimacy, I certainly don't think churches/cults like Scientology do, and it's INSANE to me that they get tax exceptions.  Make no sense.

[STT]

Tax exemption adds a positive bias to all their business comparatively.  So it doesnt even have to be churches, just a charity operation and most obvious is retail shops vs others nearby with any similar business.  If you let people in their operations have zero tax advantages, plus in addition people may be working their for lesser wages, this helps alot to make the charity a superior operation on that basic task.

It can get to the point that a competing business vs that charity finds it no longer  can beat this boosted competition to their own business.  Probably churches should be restricted to bricks and mortar in their basic avoidance of normal commerce taxation etc., they shouldn't be allowed to do anything at all.