Posted: Nov 18, 2011 1:39 am
I recently heard something about Harekrishnas that made me squirm as an Indian living in USA. Apparently, many people who donate to Iskcon temple have a kind of deal which goes something like this... they donate around 1000-1500$ per year (not exactly sure about the amount) and in return get free dinner for the entire family on a daily basis for the whole year. The catch is, they will claim tax exempt on the amount donated.
If this is true, I'm ashamed by the corruptness of my fellow Indians. However, I'm not 100% sure about this as my info is secondhand, but I can say it is more than probable. I heard that this is carried out by a close network of people who are directly or indirectly involved in running the temple and whose residency is situated near it. This also might explain the mushrooming of mini temples (basically homes turned into worship places) started by mostly ordinary folks who don't have any financial background except their salaries.
I know financial fraud is one of the major factors behind organized religions, but always assumed that is limited to godmen/priests perpetuating the ignorance. This is altogether different where the supposed dumb followers are also exploiting the system.
I seriously don't understand why religious organizations should be tax exempt.
If this is true, I'm ashamed by the corruptness of my fellow Indians. However, I'm not 100% sure about this as my info is secondhand, but I can say it is more than probable. I heard that this is carried out by a close network of people who are directly or indirectly involved in running the temple and whose residency is situated near it. This also might explain the mushrooming of mini temples (basically homes turned into worship places) started by mostly ordinary folks who don't have any financial background except their salaries.
I know financial fraud is one of the major factors behind organized religions, but always assumed that is limited to godmen/priests perpetuating the ignorance. This is altogether different where the supposed dumb followers are also exploiting the system.
I seriously don't understand why religious organizations should be tax exempt.