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Is taxing churches unconstitutional?

Discussion in 'Political Debate & Discussion' started by Salty, Oct 14, 2012.

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  1. Salty

    Salty 20,000 Posts Club
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    From another thread:

    Here is the entire text of the First Amendment:
    Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

    Where do you see that churches paying taxes is unconstitutional. Newspapers have the freedom of press - but they have to pay taxes.

    Is tax free status unconstitutional?

    Your belief that church taxes are unconditional is on the same level of the "right of a woman to control her body" (abortion))

    Now, I am thankful that the US or the States/Commonwealths do not tax churches (for non-business purposes) .

    If I am incorrect, please enlighten me.
     
    #1 Salty, Oct 14, 2012
  2. Revmitchell

    Revmitchell Well-Known Member
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    #2 Revmitchell, Oct 14, 2012
  3. Salty

    Salty 20,000 Posts Club
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    Exactly my point! There is a big difference between a law and a constitutional right. We should be informed to know the difference!
     
    #3 Salty, Oct 14, 2012
  4. Revmitchell

    Revmitchell Well-Known Member
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    Call me on my cell
     
    #4 Revmitchell, Oct 14, 2012
  5. Aaron

    Aaron Member
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    I am a church member and I get taxed. The government taxes churches everyday.
     
    #5 Aaron, Oct 14, 2012
  6. Alcott

    Alcott Well-Known Member
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    "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..."

    The only way to carry out those words in their entirety is to limit them according to those first 5 words, which is not done, as we know. "The ability to tax is the ability to destroy," as someone well said. If a church which says (as from its pulpit or on its bulletins or mailings) certain things can be taxes because of it, while another church is not taxed which does not say those things, how are both clauses not violated?
     
    #6 Alcott, Oct 14, 2012
  7. Arbo

    Arbo Active Member
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    Based on posts in other threads, I was under the impression that you were for church taxation.
     
    #7 Arbo, Oct 14, 2012
  8. billwald

    billwald New Member

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    Compare the situation of 501c3 contributors deducting contributions AND church income being tax exempt with the right wing complaints about businesses paying income taxes AND stockholders paying taxes on dividends. Why is double exemption good but double taxation evil?
     
    #8 billwald, Oct 14, 2012
  9. Revmitchell

    Revmitchell Well-Known Member
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    If that has to be explained then it most likely will not be understood.
     
    #9 Revmitchell, Oct 14, 2012
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