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Great BBC clip on a Congressional investigation into these televangelists who lead lavish lifestyles subsidized by the tax breaks their organizations get.
I have to ask, isn't it time America start taxing all churches in the same way that it taxes businesses of a similar size? Either that, or taxes on business should be eliminated. I fail to see the difference between a church, especially the kind portrayed in this special, and an ordinary business.
Great BBC clip on a Congressional investigation into these televangelists who lead lavish lifestyles subsidized by the tax breaks their organizations get.
I have to ask, isn't it time America start taxing all churches in the same way that it taxes businesses of a similar size? Either that, or taxes on business should be eliminated. I fail to see the difference between a church, especially the kind portrayed in this special, and an ordinary business.
Unfortunately, the typical neighborhood church has evolved into a quasi-business nowadays.
I don't agree with taxing 'em because gov't already has a clause called 501(c)(3) to "intervene" in the "Lord's house".
People just need to realize some of those churches with false leaders are nothing more than a group of lambs being led to the slaughter-house.
I agree with the OP--too many churches have gone beyond the "we have to take up a special collection to fix the leaking roof" stage (of my childhood church, membership 125), to the megachurch status with 6,000 members on 100 acres with a Starbuck's and an executive board who draws salaries allowing them to buy million dollar homes in my current town.
A church is a place to worship God. It is not an investment (except in the Hereafter, for the parishioners), and it is not a place of business for profit.
Last edited by bbkaren; 07-02-2008 at 07:31 AM..
Reason: Clarifying agreement w/OP, unable to read some other posters I have on "ignore" status.
I hate to say it but yes. I quit going to church close to 5 years ago b/c I got tired of all the crap that goes on. We are starting back b/c our son wants to go but I still think that most churches and church going folks are not what they should be based on the Bible. If they had to pay taxes, maybe they would work on doing what they should be doing and not so much about the show.
I think the way to go would be to find a small church that's been there a long time, maybe looks a little run down, without a big marquis in front of it, that you can drive by on Sunday morning without being stopped in traffic. (In my ultimate community, a couple farm tractors and quads in the parking lot during Sunday services wouldn't hurt lol.)
I think it would be unfair to punish the thousands of churches that provide tremendous comfort and support for their members due to the political activism of a minority of churches.
Churches provide enormous support, create wonderful social and support environments and positive anchors for communities. They make a significant positive contribution towards our society.
Target those specific churches that are politically active, but leave the others alone. They save taxpayers much money and effort in doing good deeds.
The wealth of some of these churches is out of hand, though. And they're not always "politically active" (in fact they can lose their tax-exempt status if they do preach politics)
What church needs 100 acres of land in a fairly expensive community? Can afford $14 million to buy said land? Can afford to pay its "officers" such outrageous salaries?
I firmly believe that in many instances, organized religion has lost its focus.
Many of these churches teach a theology that God will reward them in wealth if they fully support the church. Darned if I can remember what that's called.
The megachurch in my town tithes its parishioners. Since when is that a relevant method for helping the poor? Helping the church's wealthy officers is more like it! Our donations to the poor automatically come out of our paychecks nowadays.
But the sheep flock there, just as sheep will--and the "church" will continue to rake in their hard-earned dollars.
Okay, that was a tangent. Can you tell it's a pet issue for me? Sorry!
I think better oversight of many houses of worship is needed. You don't want to pay taxes? Fine. You must do this, this, and this in order to avoid taxes.
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