I'm not just talking about cults here. If someone has gained enlightenment or spiritual harmony through a church, is it okay for the church to accept payment, gifts, tithes etc. for that, given that it usually comes from words and words are free?

Sure - was it not the church that gave him the words that lead to enlightenment?

And since when are words free?

slightly O/T but what-ev.

Don't trust anyone that relies on the money obtained from giving out "spiritual wisdom." They will make it their business that they will never be proved wrong because they rely on what their preaching to be "true," and roll in the dollars.
The people who should be giving it out should be open to learning and not afraid to change their mind about what they give out, people who rely on money will always be subject to bias.
I didn't want to have a philosophical debate with this guy I know who made his living doing religiously orientated pamphlets because if I ever convinced him some of the stuff he believed in was balls, how could he ever do his job again feeling the same?????? His job relies on him believing in what he's doing and his income was based solely on it,

__________________
Thanks kr for the subscription! Much love..

Um... since forevers? How much did yours cost you?

Well gee, maybe he'd just so soul-destroying work for people he despised and resent every minute of it LIKE MAYBE THE WHOLE REST OF THE WORLD PERHAPS!