IN THEORY:Is church a place for bargains?

A Wisconsin parish is requiring parents whose children attend its Roman Catholic school to attend Mass regularly if they want to qualify for a $1,400 annual tuition break. “Parents are the primary educators in the way of faith,” said the Rev. John Yockey of St. Jerome Parish, which operates the school. “This is a call to inactive parents to renew their religious practices.”

Do you think it’s a good idea to strike bargains like these to improve church attendance?

A Louisiana bishop recently paid whites to attend his predominantly black church, so his congregation would more accurately reflect the composition of Heaven.

He soon rescinded his inducement, offering Caucasian participants the same stipend to stay away.

The new white attendees had remained aloof from the animated praise.

For centuries, churches have promised eternal bliss for attendance while threatening eternal damnation for refusing to participate.

At least we have here a temporal blessing, a discount the worshiper can benefit from immediately!

RABBI MARK S. MILLER

Temple Bat Yahm

Newport Beach

It is imperative for parents to take an active role in the religious education of their children, and that starts with being actively involved themselves. The financial incentive of a reduced tuition given to those who attend seven of 10 Sundays seems like a moderate program. Yet it will force parents to consider their priorities more carefully.

The parish is being forthright about how difficult it is for the school to provide religious education for their children if the parents clearly demonstrate they do not value the religious community, liturgy and teachings enough to attend regularly.

People who do not participate in a religious organization regularly or belong to any particular denomination sometimes turn to them at the birth of a baby, for a wedding, a funeral or for the religious education of their children.

It is important to use this special time as an opportunity to invite people to take a fresh look at spirituality — to reconnect or get a new start.

Zen Center of Orange County

Costa Mesa

I can’t help but get a kick out of this story. I can see why the church would be frustrated with parishioners whose only membership consists of checking a box or taking tuition remission, but never darkening the doorway on a Sunday morning.

Being part of a church is being part of a community. Being part of a faith community is more than checking a box. It makes sense that a church member should receive a lower tuition, but if people are not really members — that is, not fully participating in the life of the church — then they should not get a church discount. This agreement simply makes them accountable as members. If they were not true members, then they shouldn’t take advantage of the church.

I think this was a bold move. Hopefully those folks who took the scholarship actually benefited beyond the money and learned the joys of community while appreciating their faith.

Rev. Sarah Halverson

Fairview Community Church