be involved with the public government such as schools and the likes should they lose their tax exempt status?
if the seperation of church and state no longer exsisted shouldn't they be held to the same standards as everyone else?
2006-10-03 18:33:38 · 16 answers · asked by bgdadyp 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Churches should not have tax exemption. Billions of dollars of land is owned by churches (especially the Roman church). They should pay property taxes like the rest of us. And income tax.
2006-10-03 18:36:12 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 1⤋
It's a misconception that "separation of church and state" means that churches must remain invisible. The "separation" actually meant that the State (our government) would not endorse an official state religion.
As long as those churches are doing a public good (providing food and shelter for the homeless and financial help for their members in need) I see no problem with church involvement or even a small influence in our government. Heck, show me a law on the books that was gotten there by and for the benefit of a church...?
Churches don't make public policy. Don't worry about 'em.
If you're worried about influential people in Washington D.C., check out the two most powerful lobbies in Washington:
#1. AARP (American Association of Retired People) That's right. OLD PEOPLE are the most powerful influence on our elected officials!
#2. AIPAC (American-Israeli Political Action Committee) A foreign country wields tremendous influence on our elected officials! Now THAT is something to complain about, imho!
2006-10-04 01:46:31 · answer #2 · answered by roberticvs 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Is it not the proof that the Christian church is an institution supporting those in authority and with power? And that its doctrines are continually adjusted to serve that authority and power? Hence the bible was edited so many times, and written by the church in the first place.
And yes, if they act no differently from other state institutions, why should they have any exemptions, or expect to be receiving a special status.
2006-10-04 02:56:54 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Churches are granted tax exempt status because they are non-profit. This is the same as many other social service groups and not faith based.
The second question is a tautology: if the separation no longer existed, they would be held to the same standards. One and the same.
Please note: The constitution specificies separation of church and state, not faith and state.
2006-10-04 01:40:17 · answer #4 · answered by Joe Cool 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
The first amendment to the Constitution was to keep the government out of the church. Not the other way around.
By the way, I challenge you to find the words "separation of church and state" in the Constitution. It isn't there.
That comes from a letter written by Thomas Jefferson to the Danbury (CT) Baptist Association. He told them that the Federal Government was prohibited from creating a national denomination, and used the term "separation of church and state" in that letter.
An interesting side note: In 1782, prior to the Jefferson Presidency, Congress approved the expenditure of public funds to have the Aitken Bible printed. Further, Jefferson himself wrote a bill establishing religious freedom in Virginia, which was enacted in 1786.
It is only in recent history that the term "separation of church and state" has come to a constitutional issue. And it was done without previous court precedent.
2006-10-04 02:13:06 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
They should lose their tax exempt status AND their intentions to get involved with government.
BTW, what's that about "IF churches want to..."? They DO want to! And they DO get involved!
2006-10-04 01:36:03 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Church school are private schools and do not get government funds. What other public or government functions have you observed churches involved with?
2006-10-04 01:42:28 · answer #7 · answered by Nora Explora 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Yes, although even in the US there is a long history of churches involving themselves with political issues & influencing elections.
Perhaps what you are referring to is the have-your-cake-&-eat-it-too situation of churches in America today?
;-)
2006-10-04 01:44:09 · answer #8 · answered by WikiJo 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
They must be. If they make a profit or charge for a service they shall be considered in business. So no exemption shall be granted.
2006-10-04 01:36:29 · answer #9 · answered by Rammohan 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
yes, since the church doesnt want separation of church and state by wanting to teach ID to schools, they should pay income tax too.
2006-10-04 01:40:40 · answer #10 · answered by lnfrared Loaf 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋