I postulate and equally worried over the unbecoming ugly trend whereby Churches today are nothing but a "one-stop shopping" for body and soul as reported by "The Wall Street Journals" and "Economist". This is a very sad development. To my observations, many Church Complexes today includes restaurants, Cafe''s, beauty saloons, saunas, sports facilities, theater, Hotels, visiting celebrates, educational facilities and contemporary music/studios e.t.c There''s no doubt that in some cases usually when a large throng of people gather for any event, there are always that need satisfy the longings of the physical body....but it really sounds abnormal when the organizers especially a religious outfit to become so self conscious about the physical side of life than the spiritual, yes being " business profit" oriented.Most popular Churches today have gone the extra mine of setting up their own universities, and other educational facilities which are not in any way affordable to most members of their flocks. Only the few rich among them are favored to have their children and wards in such institution, thereby creating that "mutual" class of segregation between the poor and rich among them. "If Jesus had owned a university, would only a few among his followers have been privileged to be there?"Some Churches study business or rather send some of their followers on such courses on business method to learn how better to "market" their religious services.
They pay thousands of dollars to hire Church consulting firms and inspirational speakers. "Great investment indeed" no wonder "the gospel of prosperity" is a popular theme. Believers are told that they will be rich and healthy if they contribute generously to their Church. As for morals, God is often tolerant. They''re simply therapeutic, not judgmental and usually focusing on self-help tips for success in life. Politics are introduced, often clearly and specifically. In most cases it has become a political platform for most politicians who during their campaigns for political offices automatically becomes regular worshipers in other to win cheap popularity among the "souls" of their voters. If I may ask "What would Jesus do if he were to visit any of these Mega churches today?" Your guess is as good as mine. It is noted that at a time he said in the gospel accounts "It is written, my house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a cave of robbers" Mathew 21:13. Does your religion falls into these category of Churches?