[Sigaba]

If one looks at the deposit machine from a business perspective, it could be an example of poor execution of a very good idea.

The good idea has five components. First, the machine provides parishioners a way to donate money securely. Where there's an opportunity to handle cash, there's an opportunity to pocket cash. Even if the probability of that theft may ostensibly be low, it can still happen. (As a kid sitting in his grandparents' church during the summers, I always assumed that the money being put into the collection trays as they wended along the pews went where it should but in retrospect, temptation is temptation.)

Second, the machine should allow for data collection that can be analyzed. Data analysis can help answer questions like: Is a church offering sermons that resonate among the laity? Are donations greater in certain conditions than in others? Can a church shape some of those conditions while remaining true to its purpose? (This "what if" focuses on the types of sermons being offered within certain environmental circumstances.) Is a church asking its parishioners for too much? (Look at the types of payment: cash, debit, or credit.)

Third, if there are data that can be analyzed, there are data that can be audited. One way to challenge the broadly held perception that organized religion leads to corrupt churches is to open the books. (Background checks wouldn't hurt either.)

Fourth, the technology may allow donors to get receipts for tax purposes. (Render unto Caesar.)

Fifth, the technology allows for donors to give in privacy. A level of privacy can help church goers give the right amount of money for the right reasons as opposed to peer pressure, showing off, or keeping up with the Joneses. (If the flock were perfect, it would need neither sheepdogs nor shepherd.)

What makes for poor execution is the presentation of the device. Put simply, the textual message is tacky. This issue can be addressed easily by the marketing/art department/business development/software teams of the vendor.

As for the broader issue of churches and charitable works, I'm ambivalent. If done poorly, charitable works can come across as the crass exploitation of business development/marketing opportunities. If done well, charitable works provide an opportunity to explore the depths of one's faith.