Jesus Needs to Rethink the Money Changers



In England there are some churches built in the 1300's. How can they keep going when church attendance has fallen to historic lows?

The link explains that one continues to function as both a church and community center. It holds four masses a week but houses a restaurant and hosts concerts. The shortfall of donations has been offset by business ventures.

When President Bush II approved many kinds of contracts with denominations to provide social services these became profit centers. I suppose the tax exempt status and clergy paid below prevailing wages helped to provide services at a lower cost than traditional private firms.

In Canada many years ago, our local scout troop was hosted by a Canadian troop in a downtown Winnipeg church. Originally it was a traditional church building. The church sold its building to a housing developer who tore it down. A large senior citizen housing building replaced the church but the congregation was provided some modern space to gather. There was a multipurpose room with supporting kitchen and rest rooms. I assume this allowed a failing church to continue on for several years. 

Many churches today host day care businesses, coffee shops and concerts. Turning churches into mini malls with several businesses may keep some going that otherwise would close.

Jesus was mad there were money changers in the temple. New times mean new rules in religion.


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