Posted on 07/27/2006 8:20:43 AM PDT by xzins
So you would be OK with a priest saying that if you don't volunteer or at least vote for a certain person or party they will then deny you sacraments?
I have no problem with churches speaking out on moral issues, but when they equate being faithful to God with supporting a party or person (or appear to do so) they cross the line, the same line that keeps the government from establishing a state church. Do you want a state religion?
That is not the traditional and historical view that our government and populace have had toward houses of faith.
Why should it change now?
What if the IRS comes up with some rule that you can't engage in political speech and keep your mortgage deduction?
Give it up, and you can say what you want. In the meantime, they're giving you a benefit, so you better shut up.
Of course, we have seen in recent years that some animals are more equal than others. Bubba, Jesse, Al, and that ilk routinely held what can only be called partisan campaign rallies in ostensible houses of worship.
As long as the "right" people benefit, the practice will continue.
The only way that it's relevant is that most churches have voluntarily decided to cede what would otherwise be a constitutional right to free speech in order to be tax-exempt. Once again, no one forces them to do so.
Sounds like your beef should be with those churches, not me.
It's nice that you are allowed to think that.
But what if it IS THERE RELIGION to comment on politics from the pulpit?
That was the religion of Jeremiah, Isaiah, Amos, Hosea, all the other prophets, John the Baptist, and Jesus.
They didn't have income taxes back then, or my guess is they would have been taxed if they preached politics - which I'm not sure all of them did anyway.
Remember, its only the SECOND oldest "profession"
In addition, the IRS would be eliminated (and for good measure defunded), the income tax records would be required to be destroyed and the 16th amendment is identified as being something that should be repealed (the FairTax bill is a tax bill and cannot also be a constitutional amendment repeal bill). There is, however, such a repeal bill before the House at present.
So you took LBJ's bait hook line and sinker. Churches in this country ALWAYS enjoyed tax exempt status without applying for anything. It was not until LBJ wrote an amendment to a bill that became law that made it a quasi-requirement that churches register. Prior to 1954 it was an assumed right of the church to be tax exempt. Now people assume this is some special previledge, but it is not. If there is going to be a separation of Church and State, there better not be any taxes on Churches.
their...not there
Let's review.
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.
Congress shall not establish a national religion. Check.
Congress shall not prohibit the free exercise of religion. Check.
Congress shall not abridge the freedom of speech or of the press. Check.
Yes, I believe all of these take precedence over anything the IRS is planning to do. Congress created the office of Commissioner of Internal Revenue in 1862 (Revenue Act of 1862). Therefore, an agency created by Congress cannot infringe on these rights.
Frankly I hope they do revoke the Church's tax free status, because then the Church would be free from the corrupt influence and pressure that the government exerts on it to remain silent on issues that affect not only our lives, but our souls. The Church would feel free again to speak its mind about evil, something that exists everywhere, even in the IRS.
Actually yes, but you are unwilling to acknowledge why tax-exempt status is granted - for charitable works. And that transcends churches - non-religious organizations can get tax-exempt status as well.
Passing the FairTax into law for taxation would eliminate their ability to use this threat since income - no matter the source - would not be taxed; only consumer consumption. Churches would then be free to have free speech under the Constitution as originally intended (and not now practiced).
B R A V O ! ! !
I simply cannot be said any better than that!
Railroad? Tax-exampt status is voluntary. Churches can be like the NRA and separate their political and non-political activities.
Sorry.
Their, not there, or even they're.
Sometimes English can be annoying.
If you read the IRS publications concerning 501(c)(3) organizations, even without applying for such status, Churches are still presumed to be tax exempt. Most people including accountants don't realize that, but it is how the IRS rules read.
It's called FREEDDOM!! And the FairTax gets us there quickly and reasonably.
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