They promote sets of ideas and rituals, often in clearly branded structures, have income streams and clear marketing processes.
Is this a reference to religions or to corporations? Can it be applied to both?
The cross is arguably not just a religious symbol but a 'logo', as is the star of David and the Aum (Hinduism), just as much as the golden arches of McDonalds or the Apple logo. Religions have clear marketing aims - to provide their product as many people as possible.
Is this not the same aim as a corporation?
Or is it the motives behind the actions that define the two?
Are Jehovas witnesses to religion what doorstep salesmen are to corporations?
Religious corporations are usually listed under one persons name.
Legally, business corporations are treated as a person in themselves - they have their own motives etc.
How do religions/corporations spread?
In a discussion between Christopher Hitchens and a religious official (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQorzOS-F6w) Time - 1.20 to 1.50) He asks if the church believes that Christianity was spread more by holy spirit or because Emperor Constantine decided to make Christianity the official religion of Rome.
http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/opinion/perspectives/as-corporations-grow-more-powerful-they-should-become-more-transparent-358733/
An extract from this article by Ralph Gomory and Leo Hindery Jr. in response to huge corporations in America, states:
"As a nation, we have reached a point where we must decide how much power we will allow large corporations and the extremely wealthy to have over our lives and our political system. Making their activities transparent is a first step toward ensuring that we don't become a nation for the rich but rather one that works to provide for all."
Can this apply to religions as well? As it is not only corporations that monopolise certain areas.
What is it that distinguishes religions from a corporation?
- Claire
Interesting idea about if Jehovas witnesses to religion what doorstep salesmen are to corporations, Josh
ReplyDeleteThis extract makes the topic seem simple however its very complex. I feel that if everyone thought of 'providing for all' we would be living in a world without recession etc... but too many people are selfish. People in general don't like to have a dose of things, as humans we like thing in excess. This is why reasoning with the powerful seems like an impossible task as when people become successful or powerful its never enough. EVERYONE WANTS MORE.
ReplyDelete-Ben