Why Temple Traders and How to Find a Compromise

😉 Greetings, dear readers! Many people ask the question: why trade in temples? After all, everyone knows the act of Jesus Christ when he drove the merchants out of the Jerusalem temple.

Two views of things

My husband and I love to travel. This is our hobby. For several years we have visited many countries:

• France
• England
• Scotland
• Israel
• Italy
• Spain
• Czech Republic
• Montenegro
• Egypt
• Greece
• Ватикан
• Turkey
• Tunisia
• United Arab Emirates
• Latvia

Visiting the listed countries, we have been to luxurious cathedrals and modest churches. And nowhere have they seen candles or icons being sold inside the temple. Surprisingly, you don’t have to pay for candles there!

Light a candle and pray … In every temple or church there is a box for voluntary donations for the needs of the temple. The requirements for visiting holy places are the same everywhere. For women, closed clothing and a hat (shawl, scarf). No shorts for men.

Church trade

And what about Russia? Everything is different here, especially on church holidays. In the holy place you can buy: candles, icons, crosses (even silver or gold), scarves, kerchiefs, prayer books, bibles, pendants, boxes and honey.

But what about Jesus’ call not to trade in temples ?! Apparently not only Judas betrayed Christ for thirty pieces of silver. Millions of “Judas” betray him every day: they cross with one hand, take money with the other …

The priests explain this phenomenon in this way: if all churches stop trading, they will cease to exist. Each church has its own budget, which is formed from donations and income from church goods. You have to pay for heat, for light, for garbage disposal, pay for the work of priests and parish staff.

I completely agree with this explanation. But how can we find a compromise in our question?

In my opinion, there is a simple way out: to sell church goods near the temple. In the annex, shop, shop. There will be a more varied assortment and more profit. For example, medicinal herbal tea, angels, religious figurines, souvenirs or paintings depicting this temple. And you don’t need to trade in the temple.

If you do not want to limit yourself to choosing only a religious theme, but are interested in real Russian masterpieces, then there is a large selection of souvenirs here.

You can purchase Bogorodskaya carving, Rostov Enamel, Khokhloma and nesting dolls. Magic clay, birch bark products and Zhostovo trays will replace cheap Chinese souvenirs. These are quality handicrafts made by local artisans.

But it is not profitable for the priests again! You have to pay taxes, but no one wants to part with the money.

Everything will fall into place when the honesty of the priest outweighs the church business in the balance.

Dear readers, what do you think about this? Let’s discuss! Write your opinion in the comments, why they trade in temples and how to find a solution. 😉 Visit the site, there are many interesting topics ahead!