Why are all these extravagant churches.....?

I agree. What I want to know is when did being a good Christian center around which group has the biggest, grandest church? When did these particular Christians stop caring about works of charity and community outreach? Doens't it seem a bit selfish to use all that money to build some big, gaudy building, rather than feed the poor or rescue abused children?

As a Believer myself, I've always been repelled by such displays of excess. It has always been my understanding that Jesus commanded His followers to go into all the world and preach the gospel and help the poor and needy. Although many of these megachurches support missions in some way, it is rarely the focus. I would like to see the money brought in by churches spent on helping the needy and homeless and focusing on ministering to those people. You can still have a big church but why do they have to spend so muchg money on the acual building? Couldn't they rent a storefront or something? THat money should be spent on helping people not keeping members comfortable while they attend sunday school. Just my two cents.

Fireball226 what for, for more money to pay for these excesses. The money is better spent at SPREADING the word of God to people who do not know him. Extravagance does not originate with God.

It is truly sickening, but organized religion has always been this way. It is a power structure and needs to be eradicated. I am not opposed to spiritual beliefs however, dont get me wrong.

They have to do something with all of the money they guilt out of their members.

Haven't you heard, materialism is next to G-dliness? Pft.

Those buildings and their payroll are your donations at work. =X

theyre trying to attract members

Are they blocking your view of anything? I'd complain if they were.