Why do many churches collect so much money...?

Question

and use it to build lavish buildings, or other things that I see as wasteful. If I were to ever join a church all the money raised better be going to help less fortunate people in a productive way, not build some fancy **** that does nothing to better humanity. Shouldn't the idea of religion be to help others?

Answer 1

It is not the responsibility of the church to care for the poor. That is a task that we are given as individuals. We are to care for our brothers and sisters.
The function of the church is to spread the Gospel and reach those who are in need of salvation.
That does not mean that the church cannot help the poor. It is entirely appropriate, but there is a difference to helping those in need of help and being a source of financial support for them.
You can not help someone in the long term by repeatedly giving them money. All that does is encourages dependence on your generosity. Instead, help the for the moment financially, and help in the long run by showing then how to stand on their own.
The building of a church is an act of devotion to God. The building is built both for function and beauty. The members of the church put on their best clothes and build the best they can in respect to God.
That does not mean that a crystal cathedral is going to be any greater in His eyes than a renovated garage. The parable of the widow shows us that God has greater appreciation of the offering of those who have little than of those who have much.

Answer 2

Our church not only gets money to build new buildings, but we also have what we call fast offerings that we give. They pay for the welfare system set up by the church. It also helps with humanitarian projects all over the world. I don't know if you know this but my religion is one of the first to arrive after a disaster- Katrina for one, the tsunami for another!- and our members are one of the first to step in when help is needed. We are always doing service projects to help others, regardless of their own faith. We pay tithing not just for the building up of the church, but for other needs of not just members, but everyone who comes to us in need.

Yes, some of our buildings are pretty nice (all the temples for one), but it isn't because we believe in money, or that buildings need to lavish. It's just the way the leaders think things need to be done.