Quote:
Originally Posted by nik-
I think if your "religion" forces you to pay money to achieve higher "levels" of membership then it's a joke.
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I'll preface my response with the fact that I'm another agnostic heathen, if I need a label. I'm one of those "I'll find out when I die" people.
Anyways, I don't see that far of a jump between Scientology "forcing" you to pay money to achieve higher "levels" and Christianity's tithing. Are you not paying money, in effect, to prove your selflessness and willingness to help the church, fellow man, etc? And isn't the reason for doing any of those things (big picture here) to get a higher "level" and get your backside into heaven?
As far as governments go if your religion is big enough, has been around long enough, or is well funded and litigious enough, you've got a shot at being considered "legitimate". I don't see any new religions getting formally recognised anytime soon. TBQH the pastafarians potentially have a shot, simply with using their logic. I would think if they chose to use the American legal system they could easily end up being considered "legitimate" on a widespread scale.
I'm off to search for a "Why organised religion is just economics and forced morality" thread, cause I shouldn't make that point here.