For a belief system of no material chattels why is 'MERIT' the dominate common denominator?

All religions get distorted over time as people look for ways to get religious consolation without having to make meaningful changes to their lives.

The concept of merit does this in Thai culture, while it's mentioned in Buddhist scripture not in such a way as to be a central practice and not a boy scout like points system that the word merit implies.

Generosity is a good trait to cultivate, and some Thais are very genuine about it, but I think looking for something in return is not generosity.

I don't donate any more, never felt any less welcome

The trouble is, there are ten ways to make merit, and the first on the list is the least effective. Doing bad is easy, doing good is not.

1. Giving... not just to monks either as some Thais might believe. Donating anything, not just money. It helps reduce selfishness.

2. Keeping precepts. 5,8,10,227 or more. Much more difficult than simple giving and requires effort and personal renunciation. The foundation upon which all other practice is built so don't expect to get much from giving millions or trying to meditate without keeping the basic five precepts.

3. Studying the Dhamma. Listening to teachings, reading etc.

4. Teaching the Dhamma to others. Helping the spread of Dhamma by printing books or correcting faulty views (on forums like this one too.)

5. Labour. Even a poor person can donate time and effort by physical labour. Cleaning a temple, helping during events and festivals, erecting various necessary things at a funeral. Washing dishes, cooking, etc.

6. Sharing merits one has just acquired from some act such as meditation or chanting or giving alms with other beings. There are specific chants to share merits and Thais like the little ritual of pouring water, but it is the intention which counts. Wishing all beings to be happy and free from suffering and to receive the merit one has just earned.

7. Congratulating others upon their merituous deeds. Giving alms, going on meditation retreats etc.

8. Respect. Showing respect to those who deserve it (not just because of their status or rank.) Such as parents, teachers.

9. Training and purifying the mind by meditation. This one gains the greatest amount of merit because it requires the most effort and time, and is the ultimate way to Nibbana.

10. Correct view. Knowing that there really was a person called the Buddha and that he found the way to Nibbana and taught it to other beings. Knowing the basic tenets of rebirth and karma. Knowing that doing good leads to a good result and rebirth and bad leads to the opposite. With wrong view one would not bother with the other items on this list. (unless done for the wrong reasons such as to get a good reputation or hoping for a nice return.)

https://www.google.co.th/search?q=ten%20acts%20of%20merit&gws_rd=ssl