Which costs more: Synagogue or Church membership? (churches, atheist, quote)
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Despite the fact that church giving is voluntary and synagogues charge membership dues, a survey conducted by the Forward has found that Jewish and Christian religious institutions appear to raise about the same amount of money per member: Synagogue Dues Don't Raise More Money Than Church Gifts
Despite the fact that church giving is voluntary and synagogues charge membership dues, a survey conducted by the Forward has found that Jewish and Christian religious institutions appear to raise about the same amount of money per member: Synagogue Dues Don't Raise More Money Than Church Gifts
I know you're looking for serious comments but I couldn't help but think of Ray Stevens song - Would Jesus wear a Rolex.
Is there a question here?What is the point of this thread?I don't really see why it matters which costs more....i doubt anyone is going to convert one way or the other regardless.I suppose being an atheist would be cheapest
Article posits that conventional wisdom that synagogue membership fees were greater than voluntary church contributions may not be correct.
Well I don't really have a quarrell with the position of the author of the article.I just don't see why it matters since we are talking about two different religions.I don't think anyone decides to be a christian or jew based upon cost.The christian churches vary so much between the various denominations I don't really think they can all be lumped together for a valid comparison anyway.Some expect 10% of income plus while others just pass a plate around and settle for whatever comes in.
From the article I would surmise that everyone at a given synagogue would have about the same amount of money invested into the place while at a 10% tithe christian church a poorer member would have a fairly small cash outlay while a rich member of the same church would be expected to pay much more in dollar terms even though they are both paying the same percentage of income.Therefore if you are poor it would seem to be cheaper to be a christian but if you are rich cheaper to be a jew.Since I dont think people generally base religious beliefs on money it really doesn't matter anyway.
Well I don't really have a quarrell with the position of the author of the article.I just don't see why it matters since we are talking about two different religions.I don't think anyone decides to be a christian or jew based upon cost.The christian churches vary so much between the various denominations I don't really think they can all be lumped together for a valid comparison anyway.Some expect 10% of income plus while others just pass a plate around and settle for whatever comes in.
From the article I would surmise that everyone at a given synagogue would have about the same amount of money invested into the place while at a 10% tithe christian church a poorer member would have a fairly small cash outlay while a rich member of the same church would be expected to pay much more in dollar terms even though they are both paying the same percentage of income.Therefore if you are poor it would seem to be cheaper to be a christian but if you are rich cheaper to be a jew.Since I dont think people generally base religious beliefs on money it really doesn't matter anyway.
Most of the temples in my area have dues set according to income. None of the temples bar membership if you cannot afford to pay. At all the temples anyone can attend services. The only time membership is important is for the High Holy Day services. But there are always lots of places that have free HHD services. My shul does not charge for HHD services.
The only difference really is that with synagogue membership the cost is evenly spread with everyone paying in. With churches its is not evenly spread so some pay and some don't.
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I don't really see why it matters which costs more....i doubt anyone is going to convert one way or the other regardless.I suppose being an atheist would be cheapest
