When churches endorse a certain candidate, or funnel money to certain parties, shouldn't they then lose their tax-exempt status?
Isn't the whole idea between tax-exempt status because churches are non-profit organizations, who are in business to help others...which is what God commanded...feed the hungry, care for the poor, orphans and widows...
However, churches are now becoming political...and spending large portioins of their offerings on operating expenses, and politics...thereby, making them corporations.
Maybe churches should only receive tax-exempt status on that portion of their funds that are used to help the less fortunate...the remaining funds should be taxed like all other companies?
Your thoughts?
2007-06-08 06:21:56 · 17 answers · asked by G.C. 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The original reason for churches to support politicians was to help ..feed the hungry, care for the poor, orphans and widows...
That may have been justified but now it's just to forward a political agenda that has nothing to do with welfare. YES tax the churches and lower our individual income tax so we can donate to our candidates and forward our own political agenda!
2007-06-08 06:34:19 · answer #1 · answered by hairypotto 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Why not let a politician speak where he or she is welcome? Just because one speaks in church doesn't mean that the church endorses the politician. This is why I think church leaders must be careful of who they allow to speak. Some members will interpret this as an endorsement from the church and then from God no matter how erroneous this might be. So, it is important to discern who is allowed to speak.
Churches should not be afraid of ideas or views that need to be brought out in the open. Therefore, if a politician or a person of another religious persuasion wants to have a discussion then I think it is alright to do so; however, I would rather antagonists choose another location rather than within the church.
The tax exempt status should not stand in the way of free speech. A church can talk about whatever they want. Church members are not devoid of membership within the community. The issues to voters also appeal to church members. Aren't they all the same? If there are issues affecting the way we live, war, or even morality then I believe it is the churches duty to discuss those topics. Otherwise, we will become ineffective. Just becaus a person believes in God doesn't mean that we need to silence that person's speech. Likewise, as soon as the government implements free counseling, spiritual growth, and universal help for the unfortunate then we can consider reviewing the tax exempt status for churches. Until then, the church gives far much more than the goverment could afford to give. The tax exempt status is a far cry from the good that it performs.
2007-06-08 13:26:03 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
I think it is unethical for politicians to use the pulpit for garnering votes. I also think it is unethical for the pulpit to dictate governmental policy to its congregants. However, there are certain issues that transcend the purely political arena. Abortion, for instance may be legal, but it is sinful in the eyes of God. The problem with a blanket revocation of tax exempt status is that some issues are no longer only the purview of one or the other. A stand needs to be taken in some cases to keep the government from rolling over dissenters. The fear is that if a priest or minister preaches against abortion, or any other "gray area" issue the government threatens to remove tax exempt status. It is a slippery slope.
2007-06-08 13:42:26 · answer #3 · answered by Yo C 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If churches get political, they should lose their tax-exempt status. Churches should concentrate on what the Gospel says they do.
2007-06-08 13:29:43 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
A good question for the "Reverends" Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson. Both run for President and I suspect they spoke in quite a few churches.
2007-06-08 13:30:50 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
No it's not right. Any church doing so should loose their tax exempt status immediately also.
2007-06-08 13:29:14 · answer #6 · answered by Janet L 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
It is fine for politicians to speak at churches. Would a politician speak at a church if he wasn't a Christian? Christian politicians need Christian's votes. It is as fair as that. If a politician spoke at a school, should it loose it's tax exempt status? No.
God ordained the government, and told Christians to uphold it's decrees and support it. We are doing our civic and Christian duty by doing so.
2007-06-08 13:28:27 · answer #7 · answered by mekelbee04 2 · 0⤊ 4⤋
No its wrong for a politician to go to a church and tell everyone how holy they just so they can get votes.
2007-06-08 13:26:56 · answer #8 · answered by comer59 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think that it is wrong for anyone to stand up in church and tell lies. Even if they are politicians. Good luck.
2007-06-08 13:31:05 · answer #9 · answered by hillbilly 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Never trust politicians. They will do whatever it takes to get a vote. And after they are elected, they don't care for anybody. They are after post office and fat salary only.
The church is after dominion and power therefore endorce them for their own interest.
2007-06-08 17:12:13 · answer #10 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋