8.1 Why do Scientologists make donations?
Description
This article is from the Scientology Catechism, by scninfo@pcnet.com (Scientology Information Server) with numerous contributions by others.
8.1 Why do Scientologists make donations?
Some churches have a system of tithes, others require
their members to pay for pew rentals, religious
ceremonies and services. In the Church of Scientology,
parishioners make donations for auditing or training they
wish to take. These contributions by Scientologists are
the primary source of financial support for the Church
and fund all the community programs and social betterment
activities of Scientology. Scientologists are not
required to tithe or make other donations.
Ideally, Dianetics and Scientology services would be
free, and all Scientologists wish they were. But those
are not the realities of life. When one considers the
cost of delivering even one hour of auditing, requiring
extensively trained specialists, and the overhead costs
of maintaining church premises, the necessity of
donations becomes clear.
The donation system in Scientology is the most equitable
as those who use the facilities of the Church are the
ones who most directly contribute to its upkeep and
continued existence. Naturally, no donation is expected
from those not receiving auditing or training. And church
doors are always open to those who wish to learn more
about the philosophy of Scientology, be they parishioners
or not. There are tape plays of L. Ron Hubbard's
lectures, introductory lectures, books available, people
to discuss questions with, and of course the more
traditional church activities -- Sunday service, sermons,
weddings, christenings, funerals -- all of which are
provided without any donation necessary.
Scientology does not have hundreds of years of
accumulated wealth and property like other religions --
it must make its way in the world according to the
economics of today's society.
Scientologists' donations keep the Church alive and
functioning, fund its widespread social reform programs,
make Scientology known to people who may otherwise never
have the opportunity to avail themselves of it, and help
create a safe and pleasant environment for everyone.
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