Why are religious books SOLD FOR PROFIT?

Question

I know, I know..

Everyone needs money to survive...

But when it comes to enlightening someone on your views on the Divine...why do you sell?
What about the rich and famous preachers that don't NEED anymore money..?
Are they really donating ALL of it to a good cause?
Or are they only donating a small portion for their own well being?
What are your thoughts..

To Jen:

I'm NOT hating? Im stating FACTS.
Don't you read the news?

Don't you know that you have a world-wide library of information at your FINGERTIPS?!

Secondly..

I wanted to hear YOUR THOUGHTS on this problem. Raising questions gets people thinking...and by thinking about what is wrong, maybe someone will try to make a change..
Thats the point.

And EVERYONE is taught to do business. I just don't think its right to scam people when it comes to religious/spirituality books.

Answer 1

This is only done in wealthy countries, where the beliefs are not persecuted. In countries such as Red China, where religious belief has been banned, the books are not only GIVEN AWAY for free, they have to be SMUGGLED INTO the country.

In free countries, those who are interested in the subject buy the books, and do not fear persecution for doing so. They know that money is required to type, edit, print, and distribute the material, and the money paid for the things they buy (whether spiritual or otherwise) goes to support numerous families.

The "rich and famous" preachers usually get their riches from donations/"tithes", and not from regular book sales. I oppose such opulence.

Answer 2

With false religion--old habits die hard. Centuries ago, they sold forgiveness of sin for profit. Commit a sin like stealing another's property or murder, just go the a priest and pay for a piece of paper that says you are forgiven. Neat racket. Today is no different. I know a preacher who makes a great show of taking the sick to the doctor or hospital. Along the way, he has them pay for a tank of gas in his Cadilac, then calls everyone from the doctor's office to tell them where he is and what he is doing there. At his services, if he doesn't think there is enough money in the collection plate, he openly tells the congregation of the location of the nearest ATMs.

In contrast, Jehovah's Witnesses have never charged anything. At our meetings, no collection plate is ever past. We never charge for studies with interested ones. We did used to ask for a contribution of usually 50 cents for a hardcover book. Now, we don't do that. OH WOW!!!! we sure cleaned up with 50 cents a book!

In fairness, some of the preachers we all think of do different things. Some donate the money from the sale of their books to their organizations. Others donate a portion. This is offset by what they take in other ways. It is not as Jesus said, "You recieved free, give free."--Matt. 10: 8

Answer 3

Salvation comes free. but it's unwise to give away a 2 pound book with all the production costs. besides, you can get free Bibles: mostly New Testaments though.

I have a problem if a pastor will not sit in your church because you won't pay him $10,000 or who sends a proud image or who markets miracles or how to pray. the Bible is a book, and therefore costs money to print, so it makes sense to atleast make a living. but as for what's in the Bible, that should be free. if you charge to get into a church, it'd better go to something worthwhile.

Answer 4

For one thing, Jesus is real, and alive today. The funny thing about it, what did Jesus really look like? Know one knows for sure. All the paintings/pictures of Jesus today are just what people think He looked like. For one, He was born in the middle east, of Jewish decent. Go get a picture of a average middle east man, Jewish, about 30years old. In my opinion, this would be a start of getting a minds picture of what Jesus might have looked like. Can religious book stores get away with making a profit of selling pictures of Jesus? Yes.

Answer 5

money is not evil. the LOVE of money is evil.

usually, when christian books are written, it is what God has spoken personally to the authors.

to put a price to a book, is to determine its value, since one of the common perception of the consumer is "the more expensive, the more durable, and better"

also, anyway, most of the money that is being generated from christian books, usually go to the churches that supported the writer in anyway, thus helping to fund the church's activities like evangelism, missions, helping of the needy etc.

and anyway, Christians are taught in the Bible to be smart, to be able to make business, so that in some ways, we can contribute to the economy. Christians are not taught to go into deserted places to be monks, to be totally indifferent to the changes of the world. Christians are supposed to live in this real world, relate to this real world, and reach out to non-believers. :)

Answer 6

The Bible says:
'you recieved free, give free'

True followers of the Bible are not out to make profits through selling their Bibles and other books.

I am one of Jehovah's Witnesses, our publications are prepared, printed and distributed by volunteers, no one is paid!!!!! Our work is supported entirely by voluntary donations made by JW's and others that appreciate our work.

Answer 7

I have not seen their tax returns- but I do know of a preacher in Michigan that refuses a paycheck. Why should people not profit from the gifts God gave them? If God blesses them, and they give their 10 % plus some, as he instructs us, why not bless the faithful, so that HE gets even more?
We can not out give God. The more we give, the more we get.

Answer 8

I really do not have a problem with this,if a book is helpful and honest then I will buy it and will not give a thought about the profit concept.

Answer 9

I agree, i think it is a scam to charge for religious materials. Especially when you can get a bible free in any hotel room, or the Mormons will send you their book for free...

Answer 10

Peddling neon Gods and eternal life is a hyped up but lucrative $$ scam!!