I ask why?

I've seen both. All kinds of money taken from poor people and used by the church (temple), now many of those places are being sold. Also seen communities flourished with them giving people a place to gather, help each other in time of need and be a source of good will. Maybe it depends on the people.

Religion like family and marriage is a man made institution that evolved because it was necessary to regulate the society and human race. Like all other institutions it has evolved and people get strength and security in their belief which is what is important ..Some people manipulate religion to their advantage. Temples ,Churches and Mosques or any other religious structure also becomes a monument and gains importance because of its significance , so why deny them?

The church should support the people that go to that church. Plus they should help the poor.

Where I am from I think relgion is more about community. People who go to certain churches hang out with those people that go to their church. For those like me that do not go to church well we are sort of left out in the cold lol. I agree money could help the poor.

Since i'm an Indian too, i could answer this in a positive way.. 1st, temples,i don't know if you know or not, are actually build to help the poor, i mean the ancient temples. In olden days, during the rein of kings... the only way of producing money is agriculture. When there is no rainfall or it isn't the right time for crop to grow, people need some job to earn... though the kings are rich enough to serve their people they wont do it free of cost.. they always pay people for their work, like we all, there comes the ideology of temple. It gave people the job to do and it also lands as a pride of their sculptural talents... most of the ancient temples have copper wares at the top... there actually a lot of science behind.... its a huge story you just cant ignore temples and say they are waste of money and land...!!!!!!

There is no such thing as 'true' religion. There is true spirituality, an honest, heartfelt relationship with the universe, the creator and all living things. To live harmoniously is spirituality. Religion is merely a faction for controlling the masses set up by man. While I am not against the building of churches or temples for those who find peace there, it is totally unnecessary for spirituality. The exclusion of temple building is not going to get rid of the poor, the poor has always been with us and always will be. People need to stop expecting the government and organizations to aid the poor, they do not really care. If each of us personally would give aid when we see the need, a meal, some work, a blanket, an embrace, etc..there would be less suffering for the poor.