Profits from the dead

[Terra]

Here is a question of morals and ethics. Let's say psychics are real, and can really help you get in touch with the spirits of loved ones. Is going on TV and profiting from this gift ethical?

[RebeccaFog]

Not ethical to me.

A better way would be to wander the earth and help people and let them give to you according to their means.

I'm being serious.

[candifla]

I think they'd have to be compensated in some way. Can't hold down and 9-to-5 and then come home and help people find their loved ones. So there would be professionals who would make their living as such. Then you'd have the good ones who would command more money because they have the stronger force.

Those great ones would need a staff and bodyguards, perhaps a location and advertising. The staff, taxes, building, p.r., need to be paid so commercials to draw more business is inevitable.

It's not unethical, it's just business.

Pastors are paid a salary. Shouldn't they spread the word of God for free? Gotta eat.

[Nero]

I agree with Candi. I very much believe in psychic phenomena. Of course not everyone who labels themself a psychic truly has the gift, deception for profit that has given true psychics a bad name.
A true psychic has a very rare and valuable gift. Some aid the police in cases that otherwise would be unsolvable.
Yes, I believe they should be compensated for their time and precious insight. If this compensation happens to come from a TV program, so be it.

[cindianna_jones]

I think that it is every citizen's responsibility to relieve fools from their money.  So no, I don't believe that it is unethical for people to take money.

I do believe however that there are millions of fools in this country.

Cindi

[Pica Pica]

I don´t believe in spirits..

But vicars and undertakers should definitely be paid a wage.

[RebeccaFog]

   By charging $300.00 an hour, I'd be enabling the well off to communicate with their loved ones and denying the poor.  This 'gift' is not the same as being a pastor because all pastor's have are personality traits that many other people have.  And they tend to work for or within an organization.

   If one or only several people have a true gift, it is selfish to only use it for the moneyed people.  I would take thousands from a rich person for a days consultation then spend time among the not well off and probably even share the money I got.  May as well buy diapers for somebody's baby or give them enough for a half year of medication.

   This is just me.  I'm not arguing or judging anyone else's opinion.   

[The Middle Way]

Ok, the question was not is getting paid for working in this field unethical, it was:

Is going on TV and profiting from this gift ethical?

Psychic Friends Hotline anyone?

PTL?

the 700 Club?

[lisagurl]

Everyone is an entertainer of a sort. Gifts are given without a expected return this is good practice. Services rendered for a fee takes two agreeing parties this is also good practice. If you believe or not is not part of the deal.