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I like it too :-). I think religion/or lack of it, is a private issue. I don't mind people putting up banners or decorations etc. Personally I don't care one bit in what you believe in, as long as it isn't pushed on me. I don't want to hear about your "God", so please keep it to yourself. The more people talk about "God" , the more suspicious I get, as my experience has been the more they talk the talk, the less they walk the walk.
If the Churhes continue to breach the line and talk poltics, then they should be made to pay taxes like any other business.
Exactly. Them's the rules. You take the tax-exempt status, you stay away from overt politics. But some churches seem to believe that they live up to their responsibility as moral beacons by engaging in wanton criminality. Go figure.
And of course, it won't be too hard to find some who would go berserk if a Salvadoran didn't have his immigration papers exactly in order, but will look entirely the other way if their favored church or pastor is in serial violation of the tax code. Go figure again...
Amazing how more and more of these "pastors" are being found driving around in BMWs with personal mansions, by conning their poor followers into giving them a nice chunk of their income. I don't think Jesus will approve of that, come their Day of Reckoning.
I think the Founding Fathers had the right idea to keep those con artists far away from our system of governance.
churches should be taxed since they basically act like a business now anyways. Why give them special status? I never understood why they are tax exempt. I heard there is a town in Texas that has more churches than any other place in the US and they barely can function because they can't collect taxes from them.
The more people talk about "God" , the more suspicious I get, as my experience has been the more they talk the talk, the less they walk the walk.
My experience has been that those who push it the most are trying to get that validation that their beliefs are the most correct. They lack the confidence in their belief so they try to get some type of governmental validation to confirm they are on the right path.
Churches just need to shut-up and teach about God only, and stay completly out of politics. Or, start paying taxes like everyone else.
To include 7 years of back taxes . Hey, the IRS can go back 7 yrs on the rest of us tax payers.
One always goes back to the sources when interperting a document. However, by stating that there should be no religious test, it is saying that one should not consider the politician's religious views. Now one may dispute that and in that context the Founder's writings are most helpful. "...no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States." Article VI, US Constitution
Church is the place of spirit. Government is the place of power. Let them get together at your own risk. A religion that can enforce spirituality (attendance and tithing) with coercion of the state is a tyranny. A government that can justify coercion as god's will is also a tyranny. Tyrannies benefit only the tyrants.
[quote=GregW;2390961]Church is the place of spirit. Government is the place of power. Let them get together at your own risk. A religion that can enforce spirituality (attendance and tithing) with coercion of the state is a tyranny. A government that can justify coercion as god's will is also a tyranny. Tyrannies benefit only the tyrants.
Church and State must be kept apart.
Christmas is fine as long as you also allow other religions the same benefit. Are you willing to allow the Jews to hang menorahs in public places on passover? What about the muslims hanging whatever they hang (besides Saddam) for Ramadan? If they want to hang a 'HAPPY RAMADAN" banner in Arabic across Main street, are you OK with that?
I'm Ok with that. I think that would be wonderful to let everyone celebrate their religion. I'd have no problem with stores or schools or courthouses displaying these things.
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Simple Answer
. Hey, the IRS can go back 7 yrs on the rest of us tax payers.
Good Point
