General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsIs there a formal movement to push taxation of churches?
I propose that we do so. If people what a theocracy, perhaps they should get the message that there is a user tax for having one. I guarantee you, the political churches would empty because greed is their only message now.
appleannie1
(5,077 posts)in today's world, churches are 'for profit' organizations instead of charitable organizations so there is no reason at all to be tax exempt.
mzteris
(16,232 posts)"political churches" - make that "churches". (Not ALL of course, some really believe, but all of those "ministries" out there - especially the televangelist ones - they're only in it for ONE THING . . . $$$$$$$$$$$$$.
Skidmore
(37,364 posts)churches sit in silence it implies assent to me. Those in the forefront of the politicization of religion could care a tinker's damn whether anyone agrees with their theology, even members of other denominations. How is forcing your beliefs on others via the law any different than any other theocratic state in the world? I will not live in a theocracy. There are a myriad of other belief systems beyond fundamentalist Christianity in this nation. I will not exclude their participation or protection under the law and I will not be excluded because I refuse to practice any.
mzteris
(16,232 posts)just expanding the criteria to strip churches - ALL churches - tax exemptions.
leftyohiolib
(5,917 posts)sending the tape to the irs daring the irs to do something about it.
Skidmore
(37,364 posts)patrice
(47,992 posts)Look at who is doing business with whom, hiring whom, firing whom.
Look at their national level organizations; ALL of them offer NETWORKING development services.
nc4bo
(17,651 posts)Not all churches but those who wish to be involved in any form of politics should be taxed.
Stop hiding behind that damn Xian cross!
SoutherDem
(2,307 posts)I say tax away.
That said, I think there should be a test, which if they pass, prove they do not have a political agenda but are teaching their religion AND are not hoarding donations but are using them for running the church and helping the poor, then allow them to remain tax exempt. But, if they are political, or are just banking the money tax then like any other business.