[Joeaksa]

If everyone does not like the American system, the how about this!? I lived in Germany for over 10 years and when first moving there I was briefed by Americans who lived there to always say that I was not religious when filling out any govt paperwork. BTW, I am a strong Christian and very religious, but very few would ever suspect it, I just keep my personal belief's personal.

In Germany if you say that you are religious, the govt takes 2-3% (forget which) out of your paycheck every two weeks. They then donate it to the church they feel needs it, not the one you attend. You have no choice in where it goes and its not optional. Once you say you are religious it almost takes an act of Congress to get it changed.

Also, if you are on the "not religious" list the Church's refuse to work with you but will allow you to attend services. If you want to get married its possible but only in the local city hall. I married my wife there twice, once in the city hall and once in the church. It took six months of her pleading with the Minister and paying him extra donations to get him to allow us to wed in the church because I had not been paying into the system. The fact that I did not go to their church was not a factor, it was money based.

Lucky for me that I feel that you can be religious without going to a church. As I do not go to Church on a regular basis, I tithe by donating funds to causes I feel deserve it as well as volunteering my time to various agencies that help the poor and needy. Money I can make, the time that I volunteer is much more precious to me and hopefully to those in need.

Also, look at the Mormons. I am told that you have to have a "book" that you carry that shows that you are paying your 10% and are current in your payments. If your book is not current you are not allowed to attend services. If you are out of work they will help you but you really have to prove your financial status to get help. What a load of crap IMHO but they are more money and cult based than most other religions.

Joe A