Why aren't churches paying taxes??

Question

I always here them complaining about how people are trying to end Christianity if they don't get there way. So shouldn't they have to pay property taxes? It's not fair for religious people to be able to weasel out of stuff like that. Don't you agree?

It's a violation of seperation if they can own property and not have to pay for it.

the_cricket churches make more money then most bussiness!!

Answer man America was founded on FREEDOM!! Not religion F-R-E-E-D-O-M!! Your the one that needs to read history!

Answer 1

Its called separation of church and state, dear

Answer 2

Back in the long ago, the church was the main meeting place and worship place in the community.
The church was held in
reverence as the house of God. The church was the most important building and
organization in the town.
there was never any question that land should be
given to provide a house of
worship for all. This land and
building were dedicated unto
God for His use and so was
set apart. Most people felt
that the house of God should
not be taxed but was a gift
to God. The building and
land were of course governed
by some denomination, and
this sometimes got out of
hand. there have always been men who would use the
church for personal gain.
We have reached the time
when most people do not
honor God, and so to prove
we are not above the rest
of society, we SHOULD PAY
our fair share in taxes.
These exemptions have been a great benefit to the
Christians in the past, but there was a time when the
Faithful met from house-to-
house, and we can surely
do it again.

Answer 3

Churches are not taxed in this country because the Founders realized that the worship of God was not subservient to government.

Our current elected public servants don't seem to have that idea. They display a hostility towards any mention of God, and covet the money raised by religious institutions. If they could get away with it, they would love to tax the churches.

The idea of a church registering with the IRS for a tax exemption is absurd. Who the hell is the IRS to grant this to the church? The churches should tell the IRS to go to hell.

Answer 4

The government gives churches this "tax break" so that they can have control over churches' influence. That's why it is illegal for the pastor of a tax-exempt church to officially endorse a presidential or congressional candidate. They can have candidates come and speak at their churches, but they have limits as to what they are allowed to say. They have to be very vague with any statements having to do with politics. I don't think churches should file tax exempt, but it is their choice, and they give up certain rights when they do.

Answer 5

For the same reasons newspapers don't. Freedom of speech. A tax on speech and religion would inhibit speech and religious expression, thus violating the first amendment.

Answer 6

Why don't nonprofit organizations have to pay taxes?

As long as churches remain apolitical and donate most of their money to charity (which many do!), they should continue to be tax exempt.

Churches count as a nonprofit organization. And it isn't just Christian churches that are tax exempt. Buddhist temples and other various religious buildings are as well.

Answer 7

So they wouldn't ask for the tithing anymore. Some of out founding fathers were atheist. I am sure they would hate to pay their hard earned money to a place they did not believe in.

Answer 8

If they paid taxes, maybe we could finally get a universal health care system. They'd happily pay and agree that's a good thing right? Wait a minute... I'm still holding my breath...

Answer 9

Because of the separation of church and state. Or would you prefer a state sponsored church?

Answer 10

They do unless they're registered as a 503C entity. Ain't bureaucracy wunnerful?