How to make money in the good ol' U.S A.

by The Fall Guy 4 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

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  The Fall Guy

  Russell & Rutherfraud knew they were on to a winner when they started and then re-branded their cult business empire. Businessmen first, charlatans second - nothing more, nothing less.

  I can't get my around such institutions being allowed to keep their finances secret. Has Wikipedia got something wrong here?

  "A nonprofit is tax exempt under 501(c)(3) requirements if it is either a religious, charitable, or educational based organization.

  The key aspects of nonprofits is accountability, trustworthiness, honesty, and openness to every person who has invested their time, money, and faith into the organization. Nonprofit organizations are accountable to the donors, funders, volunteers, program recipients, and the public community. In many aspects, non-profits are similar to corporate business entities, though there are often significant differences. A notable exception to this involves churches, which are often not required to disclose finances to anyone, including church members." (WikiPedia)
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  scratchme1010

  That's actually a step up from how things used to be, though I agree. Churches use their god as an excuse to get away with pretty much everything they want. Why do you think religion has become so unpopular? They blame it on "the last days" and "people being sinners" and "being close to the end" but the truth is that the vast majority of people have come to see churches and organized religion for what they really are.
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  _Morpheus

  Interestingly, while largely atheist, i am in favor of reedom of religion. I also absolutely think if they want tax exempt status they should be required to publish finances. Its a fair trade off. Im not sure what the rationale is behind them being allowed to keep them private. Strickly on a selfish level it would end the onslaught of ‘the org is doomed!’ Threads ;)
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  LisaRose

  Yes, religion is the ultimate way to scam, zero accountability and tax free to boot.

  Although I don't think all religions are the same. I attended a church for a short while and was surprised that during Sunday services they gave everyone a copy of the church budget for the year, and I was just a visitor. Every penny was accounted for. Then they had a discussion and everyone was invited to discuss and vote on adjustments for the coming year. It was quite a change from my JW days.
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  _Morpheus

  And lisa, thats the thing for me... LOCALLY jw’s account for every penny. I did the accounts for years and never a dime that went missing... BUT (and theres always a but) thats only locally. The big chunk donations to the branch are what are never accounted for.

  So we know every detail (at least congregation memebers do) of local kh expenses. Electric, gas, phone etc but the branch..? All hidden. Tens of thousands a month rolling in from local halls, never accounted for. Tens of thousands a week from assemblies.... gone. Never accounted for. Billions from property sales... gone. Never accounted for.

  Show me the money!!!!