Religion is becoming a business

(Oops, I did forget #3) Rebuttals: 1. 'Holy books- The Quran, the Bible, the Bhagavad Gita and other holy books have made record sales throughout the world. ' So? Religious leaders do not profit from the sales of these books. Most of the Bible translations and the Bhagavad Gita are public domain. Furthermore, the people making money are the book companies and publishers, not the priests, imams, and clergy. The cardinals aren't out saying 'Well, Bill, I don't know, the sales of Bibles in Uganda are plummeting. I'll have to scale back my sermons this week so I can meet with our advisor about it!" These people rarely, if ever, have any interest in or connection to the sales of holy books. 'If that many educational books were sold, we would have no problem in educating children.' Completely irrelevant. 'Holy books are printed in mass amounts and even now provide profit to the publishing industry.' True, but publishing companies are not religious figures. They often have no connection to a religion. 2. 'Artifacts/trinkets- We all know the Christian cross has sold a lot as an accessory. Lockets depicting images or symbolic items related to religion have sold more, and have the same manufacturing cost as normal lockets, but higher price due to the religious factor.' While some shops are affiliated with religions, most people can buy those at Walmart or some jewelry store. Many of these businesses are completely separate entities. How does the Catholic Church make money off of cross necklaces sold at Kay Jewelers? 3. 'Gods' statues/idols- The Statue or painting of Jesus Christ is common in every Church, and sometimes a miniature model in the believers' homes. Religion greatly increases the business of photo frames, statues and idols. Many temples have a statue or idol of their God.' If the temples have statues, then they purchase from other companies! They don't make these statues! They aren't running a side sculpting business! While it is true that people make money off of making statues, how is the Pope responsible? There is a common theme here. (I think you mean 'many Catholic/Anglican/Episcopal churches'. Thousands of churches across multiple denominations regard statues of Christ as a sin.) 4.'Candles/diyas, matchsticks and oil- Hindus and Christians use candles/diyas to worship their lord. This increases consumption of oil, and boosts the wax industry. I would say it is rare to buy candles these days except for special occasions, and only religion has kept the art alive. ' Fine, so many Catholic/Anglican churches offer candles to burn at an altar. But you have to factor in that those candles and oil cost money to purchase, and that these elaborate churches cost money for upkeepance. I will concede that this practice is a business aspect, however. 'While I won't argue it causes pollution, it certainly is a great wastage of oil and other materials.' Once again, completely irrelevant. Unnecessary mudslinging. 5. 'Fortune tellers- Some fortune tellers rely on religion to establish their credibility, as they claim that God themselves have given them word.' Most fortune tellers have NO connection to the clergy at all! Fortune telling is actually usually against religious practices and statutes. 'Without religion, their business would finally be shut down and be a relief to all.' Not true. And the last bit is completely irrelevant. 6. 'Festivals- Festivals such as Christmas and Eid cause a great spike in sale of many items and boost business. While people need to celebrate, it is also a business strategy to revive dead shops.' It is a religious practice that shops can profit off of, however the MAIN idea of these festivals (important because the business aspect is not equal to the religious aspect, although it can be a bonus) is to adhere to the traditions/rules/statutes of religion and celebrate said sect! There is a definite link between these festivals and the economy, however clearly its not a ruse so that the bakers union can sell more bread. Christmas, for example, is heavily marketed. But not by the church! Many sermons focus on 'The True Meaning of Christmas', or 'Jesus is the Reason for the Season'. The church often denounces the emphasis on presents and products and the shift away from Christ. And what churches make money off of candy cane sales or holiday wreaths? The only real profit to the church is the increase in attendees on Christmas services, and that is a spiritual blessing, more so than a financial one. 7. 'Turbans and mats- The Muslim community have lot of mats as they bend over the ground to worship their Lord, and sikhs wear turbans. This gives a small boost to the clothing industry.' This is true, but mosques do not produce these goods. Clothing manufacturers do. 8. 'Many religions ask for donations outright, and have donation boxes in their place of worship. ' Should they work for free? Can they work for free? Yes there will be some con-men who line their pockets, but there are a few bad folks in every business. 'While some claim it is for charity, others use it for their personal profit.' Can you prove that? 9. 'Con hasn't managed to rebut my points that religion has a growing business aspect.' Did you read the opening line of my Round 2 statement? 10. While con may argue it doesn't overtake faith, faith is but a tool for religious officials to make sure their client is blinded and unquestioning while he buys their products. I believe I have debunked your assertions that religious officials profit from the aforementioned sales. Summations in Round 4?