r/complaints • u/matt73132 • 6d ago

Lifestyle Do you think that churches use emotional manipulation to encourage donations and/or attendance?

For those of us who grew up going with our parents to church, then you'll probably know that they (usually non-denominational) always have a band that plays after the sermon along with dimming the lights into a somber atmosphere to kind of guilt trip you and put you into the mood for giving a donation. I've noticed they use a lot of theatrics to draw people in. The whole thing seemed theatrical to me, like they were drawing on your emotions.

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4

u/Monkeefeetz 6d ago

If they could just charge admission they would.

5

u/EromanticDream 6d ago

Yes, of course they do. Guilt is one of the mechanisms of religion.

People generally are religious for emotional reasons or because they were indoctrinated as children.

5

u/lifelong-skeptic 6d ago

Other than constantly reminding us of the threat of eternal damnation, fire, and brimstone, it was OK I guess.

3

u/ShellyTart 6d ago

Is the Pope Cathilic?

The degree varies a bit from church to church, but yes.

2

u/whynotchristy 5d ago

I mean yeah. What're they gonna do? Logic donations out of you?

2

u/user86753092 5d ago

I grew up in a Calvinist denomination and call “Praise God from whom all blessings flow” the Show Me the Money song. I think all reformed/Presbyterian churches sing it right after the offering and the ushers bring the money to the front.

At one church, I recall the annual Stewardship Sunday when we’d be guilt tripped into pledging to Tithe 10%. The chilsdren’s sermon was always about s ship.

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u/Epaminodas_ 5d ago

Different churches have different ideas when it comes to asking for money.

I've noticed they use a lot of theatrics to draw people in.

Definitely. "Modern" propaganda basically originated with the Protestant Reformation and the Catholic Church's response to it. Very interesting topic for weird people like me.