So there were 1,500 confirmed idiots this past Sunday. Yawn.
Is it really so hard for these purveyors of myth, superstition, and ignorance to understand that "freedom of religion" doesn't mean "freedom from taxes?" You have the right to believe what you want, and to speak about it. You don't have the right to not pay taxes. We give 501(c)3 tax-exempt status to religions when they stay out of politics and act as community charities. When they don't, they lose that status. They're still free to believe and say what they want to, they just no longer get the tax break intended for purely charitable organizations.
"Freedom of religion" has nothing to do with money or taxes.
ificouldhietokolob Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > So there were 1,500 confirmed idiots this past > Sunday. > Yawn. > > Is it really so hard for these purveyors of myth, > superstition, and ignorance to understand that > "freedom of religion" doesn't mean "freedom from > taxes?" > "Freedom of religion" has nothing to do with money > or taxes.
Actually, if you live in the U.S., the Establishment Clause has always been held to include that specific caveat. No taxes on churches. You're certainly free to oppose the First Amendment, but you are incorrect to argue that it doesn't supply tax relief to churches. I don't believe any court has ever found otherwise. You don't want to be the purveyor of a myth, do you?
Churches are free to be active in politics, but are currently restricted from endorsing or opposing specific candidates. I believe these pastors are testing that specific restriction.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/10/2014 10:36PM by Tall Man, Short Hair.
This more of one those civil defiance I dear you to come after the church. The fact that the IRS hasn't isn't silently saying, yeah, We the IRS are not even going to approach that one.