they're run like a business. they show profit or loss on their books. they invest capital. give me some good reasons why they should not be subject to tax laws.
2006-09-29 18:17:42 · 13 answers · asked by kurleylovescheese 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I can't give you one good reason. They should be taxed. You said it all. They also hire mobsters to come and get you if you don't tithe properly. Sounds like a business to me.
2006-09-29 18:24:45 · answer #1 · answered by ... 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
All non - believers want to drill the Christians with the mantra that seperation between Church and state is the way it should be .. So , if you believe in the seperation of the Church and the state , or basically the government , then you can`t have it both ways non - believers. If you want seperation of Church from the government , then don`t expect any taxes !!! Also , the Church does not depend on the government for anything ! The Church pays` it`s own way with all it`s expenses !! The Church is in the business of saving souls , and bringing Honor and Glory to The Lord . The "profit" , you speak of that the Church is responsible for is in a changed mans` heart , a soul saved !! The only "profit " a Church is interested in , is spelled " Prophet " !! You want the Church to be equal in all expenses and control of the government , but not to have a voice in the government !! What other " business " sends their " employees" ( missionaries ) to distant jungles and unsafe places throughout the world and live in near poverty and risk their lives , just to tell someone about Jesus . You have only two things to remember :::::: There are only 2 people in the world that will or has given their life for you !! One is the American GI , who saves your freedom , and the other is Jesus Christ who saves your soul !! God Bless you & God Bless America !!
2006-09-30 06:54:27 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Three reason's, well there may be more but here a coupe of reason's off the top of my head.
Most all (if not all) income comes from donations, not payments of service. In other word's the church getting the money doesn't return a service for the money received.
For most churches the "clergy"/leadership is not paid. Not directly from the donations given at least. In my church, all the official have or had a profession to earn their personal income. If they are not currently working they are in retirement. No money donated to the church is paid to the leaders.
Lastly, the money the church has or received goes directly to the church in paying for buildings, utilities, rent, books and other media, travel if needed (travel that is directly church related), and more.
However, you can guarantee that the IRS and government keep a close eye on all churches (since they have to be registered) so that the money is never used for non-church functions.
Not to mention they "officially" don't have any political positions. Although, it doesn't mean they can't influence the congregation
2006-09-30 01:19:18 · answer #3 · answered by Coool 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
The power to tax is the power to destroy. The government should not take charity funds, when those funds may reduce the cost to government.
Put a surtax on wages paid to those individuals who pay themselves from the money given to a non-profit. Then you end any abuse.
2006-09-30 01:30:25 · answer #4 · answered by Isolde 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Actually the should. If the Bible is correct, it shows that Christ paid his taxes to obey the law, so why should churches think they don't have to pay? There's nothing in Christ's example to indicate that they should be tax exempt. It's another manmade tradition that goes against what he taught. GOOD QUESTION!
2006-09-30 01:21:21 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Every non-profit in the country runs exactly how you just described.
The distinction lies in where that money goes to. In the case of the church, it is used for the good of the community and NOT for personal gain.
2006-09-30 01:20:07 · answer #6 · answered by Phoenix, Wise Guru 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Because like any other religious org.
They help the poor & needy (which is also done by govt.)
(Taxes on religious org. may hurt the sentiments general public)
As for the business part its just life (get used to it)
2006-09-30 01:24:36 · answer #7 · answered by himanshu k 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Our government was set up to keep church and state separate. Taxes go to the state. They shouldn't have to pay them.
2006-09-30 01:26:45 · answer #8 · answered by ammellisa 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
#1 excuse is======== TRADITION!
It is supposed that Tax free organizations are do gooders-- feeding hungry, clothing poor, offering advice, etc..
IT COULD BE that there are still a few TAX FREE ORG. that are doing that.
PS == Don't just look at Churches.
ALL TAX FREE ORGANIZATIONS!
2006-09-30 01:23:55 · answer #9 · answered by whynotaskdon 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
They don't make profits, so they shouldn't be taxed.
2006-09-30 01:21:56 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋