Did you know: When you move into a town in Germany, you are asked to register your religion. In keeping with the faith you belong to, 8% surtax on your income tax liability is levied upon you.
This is then passed on to the trust or corresponding regulatory body empaneled by that faith.
Three words (as is so often the case).... WTF?
Religion is a matter of choice, but once 'enrolled' there are soothsayers, who would be prodding you whenever you toe the line. According to me, irrespective of the number of individuals who prescribe to a religion, it still remains very individual and personal. I interpret it the way I want to, follow the dictum to the extent I deem feasible, and don’t appreciate being questioned.
Why then, the surcharge? Religion has over time gotten institutionalized. It has become a group activity. Unless a million or above subscribe to it, it is not considered mainstream. The herd mentality rules. Comfort is in the numbers. And so deeply is faith indoctrinated, that people, leave alone question its benefits... start believing that they are doing it out of their own free will. Habitual nature is not the same as conscious decision.
I realize that religion as a result of the sheer number of subscribers is big business. It takes money, to fuel faith it seems. The wealthy should pay more and the poor should pay less.
So here is the deal... The synagogue (as was the case with this article I had come across, http://freakonomics.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/10/14/why-cant-religion-be-pay-to-play/)
charges its patrons in keeping with their ability to pay.
Notice the choice of words.... Ability and NOT Willingness to pay.
Considering I am a wealthy man, irrespective of the extent to which I believe in the religion or the extent to which I follow public opinion regarding the practices and traditions, I still have to pay 8%.
Does God favor this kind of a contribution? Nopes, I do not thing so.
This sentiment of mine has often been met by the usual, "If you do not believe in it, why are you a part of it". To which I would respond, that I think that belief is often mixed up with the ability to adhere to some practices. Get this misconception sorted out and you'll understand my school of thought.
It seems that no privilege comes without responsibility. The problem is misplacing responsibility with compulsion.
Why should religion be the route to God? I might believe... but I would believe what I want to, not what all and sundry think I ought to.
Remember you are answerable to your self, over anybody else.
Peace out! :)
This is then passed on to the trust or corresponding regulatory body empaneled by that faith.
Three words (as is so often the case).... WTF?
Religion is a matter of choice, but once 'enrolled' there are soothsayers, who would be prodding you whenever you toe the line. According to me, irrespective of the number of individuals who prescribe to a religion, it still remains very individual and personal. I interpret it the way I want to, follow the dictum to the extent I deem feasible, and don’t appreciate being questioned.
Why then, the surcharge? Religion has over time gotten institutionalized. It has become a group activity. Unless a million or above subscribe to it, it is not considered mainstream. The herd mentality rules. Comfort is in the numbers. And so deeply is faith indoctrinated, that people, leave alone question its benefits... start believing that they are doing it out of their own free will. Habitual nature is not the same as conscious decision.
I realize that religion as a result of the sheer number of subscribers is big business. It takes money, to fuel faith it seems. The wealthy should pay more and the poor should pay less.
So here is the deal... The synagogue (as was the case with this article I had come across, http://freakonomics.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/10/14/why-cant-religion-be-pay-to-play/)
charges its patrons in keeping with their ability to pay.
Notice the choice of words.... Ability and NOT Willingness to pay.
Considering I am a wealthy man, irrespective of the extent to which I believe in the religion or the extent to which I follow public opinion regarding the practices and traditions, I still have to pay 8%.
Does God favor this kind of a contribution? Nopes, I do not thing so.
This sentiment of mine has often been met by the usual, "If you do not believe in it, why are you a part of it". To which I would respond, that I think that belief is often mixed up with the ability to adhere to some practices. Get this misconception sorted out and you'll understand my school of thought.
It seems that no privilege comes without responsibility. The problem is misplacing responsibility with compulsion.
Why should religion be the route to God? I might believe... but I would believe what I want to, not what all and sundry think I ought to.
Remember you are answerable to your self, over anybody else.
Peace out! :)
2 comments:
Nice Blog Sunil! Thanks for the link.
I enjoyed reading your insights into W's visit to Iraq and religious registration in Germany. The world just continues on it's silly path....
Jared
www.fireandmotionblog.com
Hi there Jared.
Control the controllable is what I say to that.
Liked you take on how 'Shorter emails get read'
Noticed my folly :)
Keep 'em coming.
Psst: I hope the blog building/reconstruction is shaping up well.
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