"Gift shops" in Catholic churches?

Question

I'm a bit confused (and this is really a search for a real answer, not a pop at the church). Christ overturned the tables of wares in the temple because he found it offensive that money would be being made in the temple (money had overtaken the point of temple).

But I've been to several Catholic churches that have "gift shops" in the back of the church where people can purchase Catholic "wares" before or after service.

How is this reconciled with Christ's actions in the temple? What's the rationalization that selling products to enhance one's spiritual experience acceptable, within the parameters of Christ's rant in the temple?

Answer 1

I'm first and foremost a Catholic. However the Catholic Church sold out a long time also. They perish one thing and partake in another. The Catholic Church has gotten to a point that it’s run like any other business.

Answer 2

I don't know where you are going to these Catholic Churches but I have NEVER seen a gift shop in anything other than a very small handful of cathedrals in Europe (Notre Dame for one).

If this is what you are talking about, then it is simple. The fact that it is a tourist attraction means that there are far more people going through the door than if it were a Parish Church. These additional people cause wear and tear on the building that must be paid for some how. How do they do it? sell postcards and Rosaries.

All money raised from the "gift shop" will go to the building maintenance fund.

What Christ fought about was selling things to be used as a sacrifice or changing "real" money into "temple" money for a profit. Some will say that there isn't a difference, but there is. The gift shop is intended to better the building and keep it up, not make a profit for the priest.

Your usual Catholic Parish Church will not do such a thing.

Answer 3

Christ did what he did to protest the rulership of the pharises, scribes and priests. Also, money changers were ripping people off terribly in this time period. Only certain coinage could be used and the money changers were taking advantage of this. The business that was being done in the temple was akin to having a den of thieves in a place of worship.

You can't compare that to a humble little giftshop that sells religious objects on church property. The money goes for good causes, the objects sold help to deepen a parisioners faith and they not in service during a mass. No one is being swindled.

Any way a parish can get itself a little more income is helpful. Do any of you realize how many hours a week a preist works? Do people realize how many social programs chrurches contribute to? I am lucky enough to attend a church that has a gift shop on its grounds. It is only open a few hours a week. This same church also has a library that lets me use books and movies for free.

Anyway - most of the objects sold in religious book stores don't cost that much - they can't have that big of a profit margin anyway. It is not like we are talking about a stock market or a jewelry store here. They sell things like books, crosses, rosarys and prayer cards. You arn't going to see these things sold at Walmart anyway. Why not have them be at a church?

Answer 4

Usually, the money made by a shop in a Church goes to support the church and its ministries. No one has to buy anything. In the Temple during the time of Christ, people were required to make a sacrifice, which for pilgrims meant buying it. The sacrifices could only be purchased in the local currency, hence, the moneychangers. They made a profit and probably split it with the local authorities.

Answer 5

The Holy See (capital of the Catholic nation) is a "duty free zone" and earns a lot of money selling products that are not taxed by Italian authorities. They have so much business, they have to limit the number of customers.

The Holy See is a nation, same as any other nation. And, Catholic "churches" are little more than tax collection offices. Priests are tax collectors selling "salvation" instead of something useful.

Answer 6

I am a little uncomfortable with this situation also. But I believe the difference is the placement of the vendors.

John 2:15 clearly states that the vendors were inside the holy Temple area, his Father's house, not outside its doors.

You clearly state that modern vendors are outside of the actual holy church area. The vendors are not in the pews.

With love in Christ.

Answer 7

One figure could be Catholic with the intention to have your toddlers baptized Catholic. The Church does not ask for money for baptisms. you could furnish a present to the deacon or priest, in case you want, even if it really is as a lot as you. money isn't requested or required. A pamphlet said as "Baptismal present to the Church" would not sound Catholic in any respect...are you particular it really is a Catholic Church?

Answer 8

i have also been to many "churches" that have gift shops and i've asked the same question i'm told that the "church" takes alot of money to run but the last i checked the pastor and a few utility bills were all that needed to be paid so it comes down to how much the pastor is writing his own checks for right?