Money.

It's very surprising to me that Mr. Oppenheimer would gloss over this one reason with as lame an excuse as, "Well, other religions tithe." True, other religions ask for monetary support. I can't think of one that doesn't need it. They may even, like Mormonism, put a lot of pressure on their members to provide support. But no religion actually requires it.

If you'll permit some light/half-baked philosophy, here is the reason they don't require it: any quest for supernatural salvation cannot rely on the natural. In other words, the Creator is not going to require your money. He or She or It invented all thoughts and material things in the world, including money. So how could the Creator possibly want what they already have an unlimited supply of? To get out of the world you are not going to be able to rely on anything in the world.

So, while Scientology may or may not be a cult, it certainly is not a religion, or at least a religion that can provide supernatural salvation.

Isn't there a story in Acts where a husband and wife are struck dead because they were ony willing to fork over HALF of their money to the early churh rather than all? (Rhetorical question: there is and it's one of those stories that makes me smile whenever I hear someone go on about how much sweeter the New Testament God is when compared to the Old Testament God.)

Just wanted to add: Acts 5:1-9

Go back and re-read...it was not the money it was the fact that they tried to decive......

Sure. About money. Which "God" wanted. And so the forgiving NT God killed them on the spot. For lying. About money.

It was not the money, it was the fact that they were trying to deceive and if you can't see that it is apparent you don't understand any of scripture.

In support of teh original post, I'd like to quote noted 23rd century philospher James Tiberius Kirk.

Kirk: What does God need with a starship?
McCoy: Jim, what are you doing?
Kirk: I'm asking a question.
"God": Who is this creature?
Kirk: Who am I? Don't you know? Aren't you God?
Sybok: He has his doubts.
"God": You doubt me?
Kirk: I seek proof.
McCoy: Jim! You don't ask the Almighty for his ID!
"God": Then here is the proof you seek.
[Hits Kirk with lightning]
Kirk: Why is God angry?
Sybok: Why? Why have you done this to my friend?
"God": He doubts me.
Sybok: You have not answered his question. What does God need with a starship?
"God": [Hits Spock with lightning. Then addresses McCoy] Do you doubt me?
McCoy: I doubt any God who inflicts pain for his own pleasure.

Kinda puts the issue of manadatory donations in perspective for me.

It's not god that requires the money, it's his followers on earth who are spreading the word and doing the ground work...just like the tithe doesn't go to god it goes to the pastor, and it goes to help the community. Feed the poor, house the homeless etc.

If god doesn't require the money, then why does the catholic church have so much? Way more than the scientologists!

In response to the question on the story in Acts...

The couple wasn't struck dead because they didn't give enough money, they were struck dead because they lied about the money they were giving. They tried to look fabulous by saying they gave all, when they really did not.

And as for the God of the New Testament being sweeter than the God of the Old Testament... They are the same God. Just as sweet as He has ever been. There is still discipline, there is still judgement, there is still mercy, there is still grace. God in His infinite wisdom doles it out as He sees fit.

In response to happyatheist...

God doesn't require the money, because God is God. The money we provide (I am not a Catholic, but I do tithe) is in thankfulness for God's provision and in understanding that it is God's money in the first place---100%. It should not be mandatory giving, because God loves a cheerful giver. In this way we understand the provision, and we understand that we are merely stewards of someone elses property. I imagine the Catholics have so much because God has provided much. AND... to whom much is given, much is required.

Ah, Christian temporizing--'tis a lovely thing indeed.

I am so glad someone finally used the word "grace." If there is one glaring difference among all religions/cults, it is that Christianity is the only one to offer grace for those who would open their hearts to it. Tithing is not required for grace, nor any special classes or secret knowledge. Yes, there have been and continue to be horrible acts done in the name of God, but that can never disount the fact, and actually only points to the fact, that we are ALL fallen and desperately in need of God's grace.

AMEN! My thoughts exactly...

Well said! Thanks for speaking the truth!

It's difficult to discuss the meaning of Scripture when one knows not the Author of Scripture. This happens so often in discussions on "religion". We all must remember that Jesus is not about "religion"..He wants a RELATIONSHIP with mankind...with all mankind.

In the story in the Book of the Acts of the Apostles, the husband and wife LIE to God... Folks..God is a HOLY God, a JUST God and a God of LOVE.. There will be eternal love for those who LOVE HIM.. there will be eternal JUSTICE for those who mock Him. It's gonna happen no matter what popular opinion, liberal education, or philosophy tells us to believe.

God also gives us FREE WILL. Choose you this day who you will serve. Everyone serves (is a slave) to someone or something. Choose wisely.

Peace