And so it begins.....

Did the church in the book of Acts?

And besides - is it really persecution to not be tax exempt?

 

Not a big point, just wondering if the Jews or other religions got a break.

I don't believe in no way will God's army stop marching if the feds desire us to render unto them...

 

Because, this country is supposedly populated by a majority of self-proclaimed Christians, not a bunch of pagans like Rome was. Why would we, as Christians, vote to tax a church?

It seems to me that, if this continues, we will have a country with a very few ultra-mega-rich churches and many small groups who are forced to forego a central meeting place and meet in homes and donated facilities. As an American and a Christian with free speech and voting rights, I am against that. I think anyone in this country ought to have the opportunity to worship as they feel led without the government interfering through taxation or political leveraging.

Yes, I believe Mosques should be tax-exempt too. That is their place of worship and it should not be subject to governmental interference.

Where do we draw the line about what is acceptable speech? Just like any other kind of speech. When it will knowingly and purposefully lead to physcial violence against others, it is no longer protected speech. If a church is preaching that the congregants need to leave church, go find John Smith the homosexual, and literally beat his brains out, that is no longer protected speech. If a Mosque is preaching that their congregants must leave, go find Billy Graham, and slit his throat, that is no longer protected speech.

Why is this so hard for folks to understand?

Less government interference means less government intrusion. If the government is allowed to tax a not-for-profit religious organization, then the government is meddling in the affairs of the church. What type of taxation should be allowed? Taxing all the furniture? per pew? per member? Where does it stop? The government, if given an inch, will take 500 miles, and then complain when you say it's enough. My dad has owned a small business for over 30 years. I know how the government treats small businesses and how they would potentially treat small churches.

Keep the government out of the church. If they are allowed to tax, they will become ever more entrenched in the dealings of the church.

 

If a church doesn't have net income then it won't be paying income taxes. And a church should not have a net income if it is fulfilling The Great Commission properly.

 

I agree, the government should have nothing to do with the church, including granting them tax exempt status.

BTW, do you really think the US is not populated by pagans like Rome was?

 

No, in the context you state it, or at least on the surface, it doesn't appear to be. My point, perhaps misapplied, is that the exemption will be increasingly used against the Christian/religious community, politically.

For instance in the OP, the church is in violation of it's exemption status by denying same sex marriage on their property. How can a Christian Church group endorse, or allow such anti-God activity? Or put another way, they are forced to go against Biblical principals in order to maintain their 501c3 status.

 

I presume, then, you do think churches and groups of churches should be allowed to become political machines, if they choose, as many will.

 

They can't, but they don't have to be tax exempt.

I have to think that the Head of a church can do more for it than trusting in tax exemption.

That can't use it if the churches refuse that status.

 

Sorry Alcott, I am missing how you could draw that conclusion. I do not think the church and state should have any connexion - none.

 

How would you defend (or would you?) the small churches that say they would disappear, without the exemption?

 

Small churches exist all over the world without tax exemption. "It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes"

 

You are lying one or another. If churches would pay taxes they have a connexion-- or is there no 'connexion' between you and the checkout clerk when you buy the vinegar and buttermilk you act like you drink?

Regardless, the 501.c.3 federal tax exemption (which exempts contributions from federal income tax) has the 'string' that no partisan political activities can take place for an institution thus supported by such contributions. If that exemption is nullified, many churches would have overt political rallies as part of their regular activity, and many 'sermons' would actually be campaign speeches for or against certain candidates. We know that is the case because many churches attempt to do this even now, and only stop short of endorsing candidates or parties because they are threatened with loss of tax exemption. So-- is that your choice?-- no tax exemption => political rallies? or tax exemption => no partisan campaigns ('issue advocacy' is still allowed as it is now)?

 

I may be stupid or illogical, but that does not make me a liar .

No tax exemption and freedom is my choice. If a church wants to step outside it's Biblical bounds and step into politics that is their choice.


I hate buttermilk, but I do LOVE vinegar on my chips (sorry, fries).

 

To the OP:

Good, glad to see a stance. I expect more of such examples to continue as well.

 

They aren't even denying the church tax exemption - just on the boardwalk pavilion.

 

Many would, but the sad thing is, that is violating their mission to bring people to Christ, not to be a Political Action Committee.

BTW, why are you emphasizing the way C4K spelled 'connexion'. That is perfectly fine in most of the world, just as colour for color, and aluminium for aluminum are correct as well. Actually, they are fine in the US, albeit not the preferred spellings.

 

And you call yourself a Southern boy. You should be ashamed! :laugh:

 

Wouldn't paying taxes be a form of connection?

I would think being exempt from the entire political process or any government responsibility would be more desirable?

This brings to mind how we let Bush introduce this "faith based" process of government helping the community. No connection would mean we neither give nor get anthing from the government.

 

Christians should be treated like any other citizens, no more rights and no less rights.

Churches should eb treated like any other organisation, no more rights and no less rights.

The NT speaks much about paying taxes, why do we assume the church should be exempt? No matter what the state is going to provide fire and police protection. Someone has to pay for that.