Is religion the world’s largest pyramid scheme?

8 Comments

1. Geezah says:

   July 9, 2009 at 6:59 am

   Pyramid schemes are based on the idea that when you can get "converts", then those converts and their converts will give you commission in some way. Hardly all religions work like that. Which is why not all religions proselytize.

   Now…are some religions like a virus? Where a protein-covered glob with the instructions of "Make converts!" attaches itself to a host, and uses it to make a clone of itself? Certainly. Of course, evangelical Christianity is hardly the only religion in town.
2. EagleWatcher says:

   July 9, 2009 at 6:59 am

   The essence of Universal Religion is Peace and Truth, with Love for the Kindness to all the creatures of the earth. Now is the time to express this essence in your own life. A beginning must be made, and the place to begin is with and in your own life. you would reform the world? Begin with yourself, brother! The message of the unreformed reformer seldom inspires reformation. The heart of all Religion is love. And rightousness, which is love in action, is the fulfillment of religion. Love not only family and friends…for love limited is love denied. Seek peace within yourself and seek, too, within yourself the Devine Breath of Life. Persist in these things! Do not let up for a single moment! Through your faith and through your deeds you shape your life and help shape the lives of others, as well. What a responsibility! The Spirit finds in you its agent and also its partner, and to the degree that you are aware of this and act on it, your life is enriched. A revelation will occur to you…a revelation higher than your most exalted dreams. The New Age is coming, and in it there will be a realization on the Oneness of all. Differences between the various Religions will disappear. The good, which is in each of them, will be fused and will become the common goal of all mankind. Know that you have the power to choose! Choose love, not hate; choose gentleness, not violence; choose holiness, not evil! Dare to believe that the Reign of love and Peace is coming soon! Ready yourself for it! Ready yourself for it with deeds of righteousness! Righteousness is the door-opener, and beyond the door is love. May power divine enter every aspect of your life endowing it with the rewards of material accomplishments, the treasures of purposeful existence, and the eternal light of spiritual achievement!
3. Pants Party III says:

   July 9, 2009 at 6:59 am

   Yes
4. TEH TYME KITTEH ~pantheist~ says:

   July 9, 2009 at 6:59 am

   That and Government
5. Galaxie Girl says:

   July 9, 2009 at 6:59 am

   No. Pyramid schemes depend on getting new members to give money to pay off existing members. Religion does not do that.

   If you want to see some pyramid schemes, look no further than our federal govt: social security, medicare, and the upcoming health care systems are all examples of pyramid schemes. They are unsustainable in the long run and will ultimately bankrupt the country.
6. EddieJ says:

   July 9, 2009 at 6:59 am

   I don’t think it fits the model. The individual joiners are not expecting their reward is dependent on getting direct followers.
7. Tag23 says:

   July 9, 2009 at 6:59 am

   It doesn’t take a genius to see it’s all about the tax free money and those that can’t figure it out keep paying and paying and paying

   http://www.infidels.org/library/historical/theodore_dreiser/church_and_wealth_in_america.html

   This has to top it all

   http://www.exmormon.org/mormon/mormon392.htm