Big Church, big bucks, big business, high overhead, and most of all...GREED.
The churches mentioned using facial recognition proves the point that money is far more important that the lessons taught. To illustrate that point, they need to let the religious “lemmings” know that not only is “Big Brother” watching you but “Big Holy Roller” is too...and he needs your money too.
Nothing better than to let the “Sunday Christians” know who’s there and who’s not. Makes them feel more superior don’t you know.
Intimidation and shame is a proven method to drive those paying customers to the big church on Sunday.
We attended a country church once that was “run” by a domineering preacher & his domineering wife. I finally got enough & skedaddled, without hubby who hadn’t had enough yet. The glamor finally wore off for him; but he had a bit of angst about leaving there. - Preacher & wife are still there & not getting any younger; and I doubt they’ve learned a thing from all their congregants they’ve managed to run off over the years. I don’t know what their game is. - Having said that. Support your Christian churches; or else don’t fuss whenever there’s a church on every corner that’s been sold to Muslims & imams on loudspeakers in a cacophony of “calls to Muslim prayer” contests.