Do you think that making money off of your religion is unethical?

Question

Why or why not?

Answer 1

Making money to donate is one thing. Making money to build Bellvue Baptist Church in Memphis (AKA Six Flags over Jesus) is a crock of crap. I see Jesus in the temple all over again when I think of it....which is good for a chuckle.

Answer 2

Depends. If that is you ONLY motivation for being a part of that religion then it is absolutely unethical, as it would be to be a part of ANY group simply for that if you don't actually believe in or follow what that gfroup teaches.

HOWEVER, if financial gain does come about, there is no reason to reject it. It all comes down to motivation. Are you promoting the religion to make money...or are you making money BECAUSE you are promoting the religion?

Answer 3

I do not understand why some people think large amounts of money are poured into *all* churches, The church I go to if I go to one is a small tiny building that has been standing since the 1800s and inside are the same old seats that have been their since then, On Sundays they walk around with a Money tray, but the purpose in which they do that is not greed nor to pay the pastors and the people don't have to donate if they don't want to but the money helps pay for the bills and utilities of the church.
Some churches require you to pay because their church is very expensive, but that is a fault on their part, Also about pushing religion on people I haven't seen one Christian do that, What I have seen is a person will ask a question to a Christian and if the Christian answers them its automatically pushing religion on them, but i do agree their are some with greedy intention,

Answer 4

Yes. So is asking for donations so you can build a multi-million dollar church.

Matthew 21:12-17

Joke:
Benny Hinn and Oral Roberts ran into each other at the airport not too long ago. Naturally, the conversation turned towards tithing.

Oral Roberts commented, "When I collect the tithes, I go into my office and shut the door. I draw a line on the floor. I then throw the money into the air, what money lands on the right is mine, what lands on the left belongs to God."

Benny Hinn said, "I do something similar; I too, go into my office and shut the door. I throw the money into the air. Whatever God catches, He can keep."

Answer 5

I think if the religious were honest, they would recognize that their church and the economic system it creates causes a necessity for Christian profits.

Selling holy handkerchiefs serves a purpose for people who need something tangible to base their faith on, and when people spend money on real estate, electricity and donuts to support their religion, they aren't really in a position to denigrate the shiesters who are making the hankies.

Answer 6

Jas 1:27
Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

I don't see how one can make money doing this, but if you're referring to church leadership, yes, they should be compensated.

Answer 7

Mostly. However if you write a book about your faith and it becomes a best seller that is not a bad thing. :)
You're doing good because so many people are reading it. (hopefully)
Your question brings cults to mind, that charge fees and such. It's horrible. Some tele-evangelists come to mind.

Answer 8

Yes. Religion is supposed to guide people and help them. It shouldn't be used to part people from their money!

Answer 9

Yes.

It's my understanding that the only time Christ was angry was when he threw the money changers from the temple. That's a clear signal to Christians.

Answer 10

Ask Joel Osteen. He's the one with the megachurch and big book sale.