They make millions on TV now, with jets, mansions, limos, etc...
2007-01-14 03:23:15 · 25 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I think so, they are in the business of making money using sound stages, and giving theatrical preformances. Let them pay the tax, to those who call for the tax. Being christian dosen't absolve me from paying tax. All people being created equal, let them pay the tax. If they want one tenth of your income, let them pay the tax.
2007-01-14 03:32:47 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
My grandparents are pastors. They do so much for people in need. They spend their own money and money generated by the church to do good in the community. Some people have temporary hardships and need help paying bills or buying food after a loss of their job or falling ill. Would you rather these people get it from a local church or get on welfare for a couple months and get help from your taxes? Not all churches make millions and have jets, mansions , etc. In fact, my grandparents have lived in the same 1 story house for 30 years and drive an older model vehicle. They both had day jobs in addition to their commitment at the church.
No, churches shouldn't be taxed. Other non-profit charities don't pay taxes either.
2007-01-14 03:33:31 · answer #2 · answered by Katie 4 · 3⤊ 2⤋
They should not pay tax on the building or the funding required to maintain that building but they should pay income tax on any thing that is not related to that building. I kown of some that rent apts, programs on TV, sell any type of product. If the people that attend the church don't give enough to keep the church going then the church organization needs to give the money or the people in the church need to fold thier tent and find a new church.
2007-01-14 03:33:07 · answer #3 · answered by cece 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
To-day there seem to be many Churches that are about making money rather than teaching the Word of GOD.
They allow politicians in the pulpit to espouse their political views and then the Church, by association offers it's endorsement.
The finances that come into a Church are naturally used to pay for the administration of that facility. But then is it really necessary for the Pastor to live in a mansion and drive a Lexus?
2007-01-14 03:30:29 · answer #4 · answered by drg5609 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Am speaking of the usual local churches who serve most of the Americans in our small towns.....no, these churches are run on donations ......those donations are also called tax free on your income tax also...
I don't care for those TV high end preachers beggin for money all time..their base should be controlled ..but for the local pastors who should say what they drive? do they need to wear sack cloths and ashes just because they are preaching? Ours takes part in our community projects, Relay of Life, muliple organizations to help raise money for charities and the sick....out of millons of preachers only a very few ever end on the TV set looking like what you describe...thats unfair to group them all with those.
Does the Red Cross pay taxes? I don't know
Does the Salvation Army pay taxes on money donated to them?
would be interesting to know this too....
I don't support a formed church, but my religion is in my heart and is a personal one....my own deeds and life is how I witness in caring for people in my field of work
2007-01-14 03:39:42 · answer #5 · answered by Gypsygrl 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
At the other end of the scale, there are many new and small religions that would be hard pressed to keep up. They are struggling now. While I believe it is important to give back, a tax is very arbitrary. They are incorporated as charitable. Someone should be policing this aspect.
2007-01-14 03:29:11 · answer #6 · answered by jmmevolve 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Are you asking about churches or television preachers? churches are not the only organization that is tax exempt. Preachers are not and cannot be but there are loopholes that the dishonest one use.
A lot of television preachers get into trouble when the do spend lots of money and like Al Capone, non of it is traceable back to them.They spend money that is supposed to be used for their nontaxable organization. How do you think Jim Baker got in trouble?
2007-01-14 03:40:28 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Especially if they demand 'tithes' from their people, this is not free-will giving it's a bill that people pay. Matthew 10: 8 states You received {the word of God} free, [from the Bible] give free. What has been learned, so the donations religious organizations receive should be that a donation. Not a demand.
2007-01-14 03:38:03 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The small storefront churches run by part time pastors with full time jobs during the week should not pay taxes.
But the big megachurches with TV shows and major business operations, or the major denominations like the Catholics, Mormons, Presbyterians, Episcopalians ect who own schools, universities, hospitals and social service agencies should pay taxes, they have lots of income and own lots of property, why should they be tax exempt?
2007-01-14 03:27:57 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 2⤋
Ministers pay income taxes.
Churches are, however, exempt from income and property taxes, and like all non-profits, can also claim exemption from sales taxes.
It seems to me that, once a class of organizations has started to engage in political activities, that entire class must then be subject to taxation just like Enron, McDonalds, and your locally owned convenience store.
If we set it up that way, the churches themselves would police one another to prevent their brethren churches from overstepping the line.
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2007-01-14 03:36:05 · answer #10 · answered by NHBaritone 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋