Church = Business

It all comes down to a book, which is translated and acted upon differently by so many religions, but in the end they worship the book and its ideals. They do this at the church, organised by the faithful and chaired by the priest or reverend. Then comes the catch, they ask for donations to keep the church on its feet. They do have utility bills, petrol and household groceries to buy after all. But its those churches that spare no expense and have all the trimmings like Bose surround sound systems, plasma screens and LCD projectors for the hymns, either the church sells drugs or they make a killing from the donations.

There is a church near where I live, featuring a very modern take on the cross logo we are used to seeing. They are a baptist church by default, but hire out their hall to a number of crazy off beat sects. My old high school used it for their presentation night. It comes complete with grand foyer and two professional video cameras for capturing the nights events. Seating for hundreds and a fully functional working stage. And they are only using donations, yep they are loving it. There is another Crossways location being constructed as we speak, and they are calling for donations to help fund it, of course they are. Its a architectural designed building with a cafe and an even larger function room. According to the website they are forking out $2 Million for the project. Where on earth does a church get that kind of money, from being a business and making money from its followers. I thought the church was for the benefit of the worshipers, not the hip pocket, so as to keep the priests in new cars, better homes and flashier surroundings.

Church HQ in Rome, oh sorry they have their own ''country'', Vatican City, is a pit of money. Where did it all come from? I thought the honest systems of our society were non-profit organisations, not fortune 500 type companies. I'm annoyed people keep pouring in money to a group of people who dont need it, they have plenty of money, and remember the facts of your followings. Your paying them to tell you not to drink, gamble, look at women, swear or occasionally be mean to someone by say, yelling at them. Sounds like a restrictive type of lifestyle to me.

Even the Clocks Pokie venue at Flinders Street station is owned by the church, how the hell is that not against the book. I thought gambling was a sin? How is helping others to lose their money not a sin? Then they have the nerve to offer free counselling to help problem gamblers. How nice of you, help them after they have helped you financially. Can you lose all your money and then forward a few months mortgage repayments to the church for them to help you out, of course not. Double standards. They would own a brothel if they thought they could get away with it. Church's are a business, no if, buts or maybes.