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Why do you care what pastors do? Separation of church and state right? Oh wait, you want it to be a one way street. Get all up in the business of churches while demanding that every single thread of religiosity be scrubbed from the public view and office. Sorry, but you can't have it both ways.
If churches pay taxes then churches can endorse politicians and lobby lawmakers.
This. Thank you.
Also, we have no idea whether these are in fact church parsonages for the minister, church buildings for the church (for outreach), or parsonages used as shelters for the poor. In the last two cases, something good is being done with them so shove off. In the first case, it is unlikely as nobody needs five homes, and I doubt they are mansions. In any case, not your business.
Location: In a little house on the prairie - literally
10,202 posts, read 7,926,708 times
Reputation: 4561
Quote:
Originally Posted by bulmabriefs144
This. Thank you.
Also, we have no idea whether these are in fact church parsonages for the minister, church buildings for the church (for outreach), or parsonages used as shelters for the poor. In the last two cases, something good is being done with them so shove off. In the first case, it is unlikely as nobody needs five homes, and I doubt they are mansions. In any case, not your business.
Oh, but YES it is everyone's business.
Why? Because of the tax-free nature of churches and that the money donated was a deduction from taxes. Meaning everyone supports those buildings, and the infrastructure they use. Why should Mohammed down the street, or Vishwanath, or Johnny the atheist have to contribute to your favorite fantasy or hobby? They have to pay MORE taxes as a result, to cover the costs that those buildings cost society.
No, it's really not. If you are not an IRS agent, and you suddenly start asking that your neighbor be audited, they might be tempted to look at you too. Mind your own damned business.
Let's talk about what Christian buildings "cost" society.
1. Funds to soup kitchens to feed the homeless.
2. Funds to charities
3. Sometimes provide housing for homeless
4. Outreach and therapy for depressed or hopeless
5. I could probably think of some more.
All of this the government doesn't pay. All of this members give freely (most churches don't mandate offerings) meaning the government saves having to raise taxes for welfare. This is why they are tax free. Because they provide services that the government doesn't need to spend on. And I believe that any legitimate charity should also be tax-free.
Not ones like Komen though, which spend most of their money "raising awareness" (advertising).
Location: In a little house on the prairie - literally
10,202 posts, read 7,926,708 times
Reputation: 4561
Quote:
Originally Posted by bulmabriefs144
No, it's really not. If you are not an IRS agent, and you suddenly start asking that your neighbor be audited, they might be tempted to look at you too. Mind your own damned business.
Let's talk about what Christian buildings "cost" society.
1. Funds to soup kitchens to feed the homeless.
2. Funds to charities
3. Sometimes provide housing for homeless
4. Outreach and therapy for depressed or hopeless
5. I could probably think of some more.
All of this the government doesn't pay. All of this members give freely (most churches don't mandate offerings) meaning the government saves having to raise taxes for welfare. This is why they are tax free. Because they provide services that the government doesn't need to spend on. And I believe that any legitimate charity should also be tax-free.
Not ones like Komen though, which spend most of their money "raising awareness" (advertising).
Please use quotes, as it is much easier to see who you are replying too. It is just common courtesy.
So, you think every church funds soup kitchens. Really? Bunkum. And besides, it is not only religious organizations that assist in that area, so that high horse you can dismount from.
So you think religious groups fund charities? Show me how much out side of religious missions, as that is self serving. A tiny, tiny bit. Secular service clubs like Rotary, Lions and Elks do far more in the regard, and you don't have to listen to proselytizing.
Sometimes provide housing for homeless? Outside of the Sally Ann, I have never heard of any religious group doing so, certainly not on a regional or national basis.
Outreach and therapy? You mean like that crap my ex-wife did, preaching and trying to drive the devil out of homeless and mentally ill? Yeah, a lot of good that does... please!
Religious institutions suck way more out of society than they contribute. They use secular infrastructure that they do not pay for, and their contributors get tax breaks for donations for purely narcissist reasons, their "faith".
Churches should be paying taxes just like everyone else, and the true, non-religious charity work, that they can get tax breaks on, as well as their donor. No more free passes sucking off the public teat. Pay your way.... period.
This. Thank you.
Also, we have no idea whether these are in fact church parsonages for the minister, church buildings for the church (for outreach), or parsonages used as shelters for the poor. In the last two cases, something good is being done with them so shove off. In the first case, it is unlikely as nobody needs five homes, and I doubt they are mansions. In any case, not your business.
Why are you lying in an attempt to make this pastor seem virtuous? It says a lot about you.
Also, we have no idea whether these are in fact church parsonages for the minister, church buildings for the church (for outreach), or parsonages used as shelters for the poor. In the last two cases, something good is being done with them so shove off. In the first case, it is unlikely as nobody needs five homes, and I doubt they are mansions. In any case, not your business.
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