Is Organized Christianity a racket?

[an anarchist]

At least from my experience in the States.
I was born into church. In my early teens, I surrendered to become a missionary at my church. They got me started in Bible College, did a semester of that.
But I lost heart.
You see... I realized that church was a giant racket!
There are more churches in town that are more flagrant with their wealth. Churches where they charge kids for attending Sunday school or else they are kicked out. That church I’m thinking of didn’t even let my grandma park in their parking lot because her car was old and beat up. I’m not kidding.
Anyways back to my old church.
First, I saw that everyone was on a payroll. The pastor, assistants, secretary, deacons, they were all paid by the cash collected by the tithe. Pastor would dedicate whole sundays to preaching about tithing, wagging his finger at us telling us we need to give more. Pastor had a nice car, perhaps he was behind on payments.
Then, I found out that my little Baptist church was part of a large organization of churches. We received funding from them, as long as we agreed to their doctrine. I’m not sure on all the fine details, but my church wasn’t in charge really.
Anyways, after my semester of Bible college, I saw that Christian churches in America were set up like businesses. They have financial goals they have to meet. Quarterlies. People in the pews are the customers, and the product is a bunch of horse caca if I say so meself. I was disheartened and left Bible college. Eventually left church altogether.
I don’t think that Christians should be obligated to give 10% of their income to church. The Bible says give it to God, so, is church God? No!
Give your money to charity instead. Hell maybe charity is a racket too idk but I know for sure church is.
Church just wants your money. They are a business in the field of racketeering. They sell you snake oil, and declare that God has said to give them ten percent of your income.
Do you agree that organized Christianity is a scam for your money? Churches are definitely set up like that imo.

 

[Psalm23]

Do you agree that organized Christianity is a scam for your money? Churches are definitely set up like that imo.

It depends on the church in my opinion.

 

[Twilight Hue]

At least from my experience in the States.
I was born into church. In my early teens, I surrendered to become a missionary at my church. They got me started in Bible College, did a semester of that.
But I lost heart.
You see... I realized that church was a giant racket!
There are more churches in town that are more flagrant with their wealth. Churches where they charge kids for attending Sunday school or else they are kicked out. That church I’m thinking of didn’t even let my grandma park in their parking lot because her car was old and beat up. I’m not kidding.
Anyways back to my old church.
First, I saw that everyone was on a payroll. The pastor, assistants, secretary, deacons, they were all paid by the cash collected by the tithe. Pastor would dedicate whole sundays to preaching about tithing, wagging his finger at us telling us we need to give more. Pastor had a nice car, perhaps he was behind on payments.
Then, I found out that my little Baptist church was part of a large organization of churches. We received funding from them, as long as we agreed to their doctrine. I’m not sure on all the fine details, but my church wasn’t in charge really.
Anyways, after my semester of Bible college, I saw that Christian churches in America were set up like businesses. They have financial goals they have to meet. Quarterlies. People in the pews are the customers, and the product is a bunch of horse caca if I say so meself. I was disheartened and left Bible college. Eventually left church altogether.
I don’t think that Christians should be obligated to give 10% of their income to church. The Bible says give it to God, so, is church God? No!
Give your money to charity instead. Hell maybe charity is a racket too idk but I know for sure church is.
Church just wants your money. They are a business in the field of racketeering. They sell you snake oil, and declare that God has said to give them ten percent of your income.
Do you agree that organized Christianity is a scam for your money? Churches are definitely set up like that imo.

It's amazing after telling Christians there is no want or need through God, for which after every service begs for money itself to keep it sustained.

 

[metis]

Do you agree that organized Christianity is a scam for your money?

I think some are, which is why I could only belong to a church that also gives generously to help those in need.

 

[Sgt. Pepper]

At least from my experience in the States.
I was born into church. In my early teens, I surrendered to become a missionary at my church. They got me started in Bible College, did a semester of that.
But I lost heart.
You see... I realized that church was a giant racket!
There are more churches in town that are more flagrant with their wealth. Churches where they charge kids for attending Sunday school or else they are kicked out. That church I’m thinking of didn’t even let my grandma park in their parking lot because her car was old and beat up. I’m not kidding.
Anyways back to my old church.
First, I saw that everyone was on a payroll. The pastor, assistants, secretary, deacons, they were all paid by the cash collected by the tithe. Pastor would dedicate whole sundays to preaching about tithing, wagging his finger at us telling us we need to give more. Pastor had a nice car, perhaps he was behind on payments.
Then, I found out that my little Baptist church was part of a large organization of churches. We received funding from them, as long as we agreed to their doctrine. I’m not sure on all the fine details, but my church wasn’t in charge really.
Anyways, after my semester of Bible college, I saw that Christian churches in America were set up like businesses. They have financial goals they have to meet. Quarterlies. People in the pews are the customers, and the product is a bunch of horse caca if I say so meself. I was disheartened and left Bible college. Eventually left church altogether.
I don’t think that Christians should be obligated to give 10% of their income to church. The Bible says give it to God, so, is church God? No!
Give your money to charity instead. Hell maybe charity is a racket too idk but I know for sure church is.
Church just wants your money. They are a business in the field of racketeering. They sell you snake oil, and declare that God has said to give them ten percent of your income.
Do you agree that organized Christianity is a scam for your money? Churches are definitely set up like that imo.

Well said, Xavier. I think that a lot of Christian churches are as you described.

 

[ChristineM]

At least from my experience in the States.
I was born into church. In my early teens, I surrendered to become a missionary at my church. They got me started in Bible College, did a semester of that.
But I lost heart.
You see... I realized that church was a giant racket!
There are more churches in town that are more flagrant with their wealth. Churches where they charge kids for attending Sunday school or else they are kicked out. That church I’m thinking of didn’t even let my grandma park in their parking lot because her car was old and beat up. I’m not kidding.
Anyways back to my old church.
First, I saw that everyone was on a payroll. The pastor, assistants, secretary, deacons, they were all paid by the cash collected by the tithe. Pastor would dedicate whole sundays to preaching about tithing, wagging his finger at us telling us we need to give more. Pastor had a nice car, perhaps he was behind on payments.
Then, I found out that my little Baptist church was part of a large organization of churches. We received funding from them, as long as we agreed to their doctrine. I’m not sure on all the fine details, but my church wasn’t in charge really.
Anyways, after my semester of Bible college, I saw that Christian churches in America were set up like businesses. They have financial goals they have to meet. Quarterlies. People in the pews are the customers, and the product is a bunch of horse caca if I say so meself. I was disheartened and left Bible college. Eventually left church altogether.
I don’t think that Christians should be obligated to give 10% of their income to church. The Bible says give it to God, so, is church God? No!
Give your money to charity instead. Hell maybe charity is a racket too idk but I know for sure church is.
Church just wants your money. They are a business in the field of racketeering. They sell you snake oil, and declare that God has said to give them ten percent of your income.
Do you agree that organized Christianity is a scam for your money? Churches are definitely set up like that imo.

Most are tax exempt too

 

[Twilight Hue]

Most are tax exempt too

The church should be tax exempt but the profiteering needs addressing.

 

[ChristineM]

The church should be tax exempt but the profiteering needs addressing.

The church takes money, much of which is not used for charitable purposes. In my view they should be taxed on the non charitable money.

 

[Twilight Hue]

The church takes money, much of which is mot used for charitable purposes. On the non charitable money they should be taxed

Any commercial endeavor definitely needs taxing like any other business. Churches have definitely taken advantage of their non profit status and grabbed way more then they actually deserve.

I'm OK with non profit tithing, raffles, bingo, and bake sales in the traditional aspect however.

 

[paarsurrey]

At least from my experience in the States.
I was born into church. In my early teens, I surrendered to become a missionary at my church. They got me started in Bible College, did a semester of that.
But I lost heart.
You see... I realized that church was a giant racket!
There are more churches in town that are more flagrant with their wealth. Churches where they charge kids for attending Sunday school or else they are kicked out. That church I’m thinking of didn’t even let my grandma park in their parking lot because her car was old and beat up. I’m not kidding.
Anyways back to my old church.
First, I saw that everyone was on a payroll. The pastor, assistants, secretary, deacons, they were all paid by the cash collected by the tithe. Pastor would dedicate whole sundays to preaching about tithing, wagging his finger at us telling us we need to give more. Pastor had a nice car, perhaps he was behind on payments.
Then, I found out that my little Baptist church was part of a large organization of churches. We received funding from them, as long as we agreed to their doctrine. I’m not sure on all the fine details, but my church wasn’t in charge really.
Anyways, after my semester of Bible college, I saw that Christian churches in America were set up like businesses. They have financial goals they have to meet. Quarterlies. People in the pews are the customers, and the product is a bunch of horse caca if I say so meself. I was disheartened and left Bible college. Eventually left church altogether.
I don’t think that Christians should be obligated to give 10% of their income to church. The Bible says give it to God, so, is church God? No!
Give your money to charity instead. Hell maybe charity is a racket too idk but I know for sure church is.
Church just wants your money. They are a business in the field of racketeering. They sell you snake oil, and declare that God has said to give them ten percent of your income.
Do you agree that organized Christianity is a scam for your money? Churches are definitely set up like that imo.

What about the creeds that Paul, his associates and the Pauline-Church made/invented in the centuries, after when Paul faked a vision on road to Damascus, please? Right?

Regards

 

[Subduction Zone]

Just be thankful that you were not a Scientologist:

 

[ChristineM]

Any commercial endeavor definitely needs taxing like any other business. Churches have definitely taken advantage of their non profit status and grabbed way more then they actually deserve.

I'm OK with non profit tithing, raffles, bingo, and bake sales in the traditional aspect however.

What is non profit raffles and non profit bingo. Maybe casinos need to be let into this secret.

If there is a charge for gaming then that charge should be taxed.

If it's free then no money earned so no tax to pay

 

[Sand Dancer]

At least from my experience in the States.
I was born into church. In my early teens, I surrendered to become a missionary at my church. They got me started in Bible College, did a semester of that.
But I lost heart.
You see... I realized that church was a giant racket!
There are more churches in town that are more flagrant with their wealth. Churches where they charge kids for attending Sunday school or else they are kicked out. That church I’m thinking of didn’t even let my grandma park in their parking lot because her car was old and beat up. I’m not kidding.
Anyways back to my old church.
First, I saw that everyone was on a payroll. The pastor, assistants, secretary, deacons, they were all paid by the cash collected by the tithe. Pastor would dedicate whole sundays to preaching about tithing, wagging his finger at us telling us we need to give more. Pastor had a nice car, perhaps he was behind on payments.
Then, I found out that my little Baptist church was part of a large organization of churches. We received funding from them, as long as we agreed to their doctrine. I’m not sure on all the fine details, but my church wasn’t in charge really.
Anyways, after my semester of Bible college, I saw that Christian churches in America were set up like businesses. They have financial goals they have to meet. Quarterlies. People in the pews are the customers, and the product is a bunch of horse caca if I say so meself. I was disheartened and left Bible college. Eventually left church altogether.
I don’t think that Christians should be obligated to give 10% of their income to church. The Bible says give it to God, so, is church God? No!
Give your money to charity instead. Hell maybe charity is a racket too idk but I know for sure church is.
Church just wants your money. They are a business in the field of racketeering. They sell you snake oil, and declare that God has said to give them ten percent of your income.
Do you agree that organized Christianity is a scam for your money? Churches are definitely set up like that imo.

American Christianity is an anomaly. Of course, religion takes on a country's culture, so I guess we shouldn't be surprised that it doesn't put people first.

 

[Sand Dancer]

The church takes money, much of which is not used for charitable purposes. In my view they should be taxed on the non charitable money.

Plus they have bookstores, restaurants, etc, which charge money. They shouldn't be tax-exempt if they have boutiques inside.

 

[Brickjectivity]

I was born into church.

I also was and into a similar situation though not any group of baptists. Its was a newer organization. We also were told that tithing was scripture and God's will.

Your experience is interesting, and I am surprised that your deacons are paid.

I suspect that in my church there are/were people secretly being paid but cannot say that as a witness. There are people who are very questionable and who pretend to be able to speak from God to people. I heard one of them tell the same thing to two different people. This person was someone I had known from childhood, much loved in the church who was a deacon. That was an eye opener though I did not ask them about it or tell anyone else. He and several others tended to be the strongest believers, tended to talk about miracles in their personal lives, were often the most ecstatic worshippers in services and sporadically would prophesy. They did a lot of supernatural talking. His children were in the church, and his wife taught in the school. I knew their children, and their children grew up with me.

Do you agree that organized Christianity is a scam for your money? Churches are definitely set up like that imo.

[Hos 6:9 NIV] 9 As marauders lie in ambush for a victim, so do bands of priests; they murder on the road to Shechem, carrying out their wicked schemes.​

Don't take that scripture on its own too literally, and I'm only presenting it as historical evidence that scams are not new in religion. Its not Christianity but just about every religious movement that is easily prey for scams, and so I think everyone in any religion must live in such a way that there is no reward for scammers. In this we have failed in our generation. We have encouraged scammers, and so we have been scammed over and over. Shame on us. A scammer is born every minute along with ten suckers.

Yes I agree that entire Christian organizations are more often than not scams. I almost agree. It is rife with scams, but I disagree with you about something. I'd say everyone -- absolutely everyone has been scammed, but that is because every minute a new scammer is born. Organization is both an enemy and a friend. We are doing it wrong. The reasons for that are beyond the scope of your thread. I still think we need some kind of connection to religious training and to keep children and adults aware of religious thinking. So we need something, some connection to the past. We shouldn't become like the communist party and obliterate all connections to historical thinking. We should do everything differently though and reorganize in a way that there is no benefit to being a scammer. Scammers are people, too; and they are important. Its not as if the human race would survive without smart people. We just need to somehow encourage them to use their creative and intuitive powers in constructive rather than leechy ways.

 

[Jayhawker Soule]

Do you agree that organized Christianity is a scam for your money? Churches are definitely set up like that imo.

No. I think it's a childish claim.

 

[Twilight Hue]

What is non profit raffles and non profit bingo. Maybe casinos need to be let into this secret.

If there is a charge for gaming then that charge should be taxed.

If it's free then no money earned so no tax to pay

Maybe tax volunteer fire depts as well?

 

[ChristineM]

Maybe tax volunteer fire depts as well?

Do they tithe for putting out fires?

 

[Twilight Hue]

Do they tithe for putting out fires?

They hold raffles and play bingo.

 

[Aštra’el]

I see no issue with any sacred temple accepting “tithes” and donations from their worshippers to strengthen it, enhance the experience and see it grow. I don’t care if it’s a cathedral or a mosque, or a pyramid or a ziggurat. I would see more of them.