Churches who get involved in politics should be taxed. True or False?

Answer 1

Churches who get involved, or attempt to get involved in politics are violating the United States Constitutional Separation of Church and State. Of course in today's government, they wouldn't be punished at all by the majority of conservative run religious-whackos who'd LOVE to see the government run by Christian standards. I think the founding fathers put that in the constitution for a reason..

As for the question, I think they should definitely be punished in some way. Whether that be taxing or not. They have no right to try to influence they way the government runs our lives based on their religion. The last time I checked there was far more than one religious group in this country.

Answer 2

Put the way you did, without explanation or example, I'm going with False. They cannot endorse a particular candidate.

The IRS has a very strict application that is generally enforced, at least against white churches. Not so much against non-white churches.

EDIT: Rich B, look at those fliers again. Odds are they simply stated the positions of several candidates on certain issues. This is perfectly acceptable. And its a clear Constitutional violation to tax churches.

Answer 3

I personally have received a handout from a couple of churches that did indeed endorse certain candidates. And to think that their endorsement is an uncommon happening is to mislead oneself. There should be a tax across the board, as there should be a flat tax, period. Yes.

Answer 4

Nobody should be FORCED to pay taxes, otherwise "We the poeple" are not truly free. Think about that for a minute. Can people call themselves "free" when you are forced (and don't let anyone tell you your not) at gun point to pay taxes? I say no regardless of whether it's a church or a person.

Answer 5

I think to some extent that is a law anyway. Is it not? Can't churches lose their tax exempt status if they cross the line?

Answer 6

Absolutely! They're all parasites on public services. And the political ones are in an advantaged position as a result of the boon of tax ememption, which they feel is an entitlement.

Answer 7

churches who get involved in politics ARE taxed. True. But preaching christian values (like peace) shouldn't be considered 'political'

Answer 8

They being the largest real estate holder in the world should be taxed the same as the rest of us regardless!

Answer 9

i think churches take advantage of the tax exempt status as do most other non profit orgs.

if they talk politics or not, that's fine. i think their tax exempt status is really abused.

Answer 10

The law is supposed to work that way but politicians are lax to enforce it for fear of losing votes.

Legalize prostitution and tax that also.