Did You hear that on the news or am i hallucinating? Was it ALL churches or just televangelists? The idea being that they have to justify their expensive homes and autos. I say Thank GOD!! and whoever voted this up. I'd be doing handsprings, but i'd be deader than a doormat halfway through the first one.
Question is -- did You hear about this? And what's YOUR reaction?
2007-11-09 06:13:52 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
My gratitude to Brother M and others who put me right on the facts. I now limit my question to the six organizations listed by Jack the Giant Killer.
And i'm not an Atheist.
2007-11-09 15:28:52 · update #1
Why should it be a problem, if they have nothing to hide? If it's a problem, what are they hiding?
If they're trying to hide behind the tax-exempt status they need to remember that scripture that says what is whispered in the corner of the house will be shouted from the rooftops. They may hide from man but they sure aren't hiding from God.
Only a lawbreaker fears the law.
2007-11-09 06:28:31 · answer #1 · answered by anna 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
As long as they do not dictate how money should be spent. Simple fact the money that goes for the church should be used wisely for ministry. Nothing wrong with a minister having a salary or other workers. They all still have to pay taxes on their earnings, they are not themselves taxed exempt. A church should be able to show where how they spend their money and how it is used. No big deal many churches have budgets especially if they are legit.
2007-11-10 23:58:59 · answer #2 · answered by turtle30c 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Under this nation's Constitution a religion is a religion when it says it is a religion and the state has NO RIGHT to audit it.
You cannot pick and choose. You cannot say well, basically that's right, but these guys are ripping off their people and we should be able to stop them and snooping into their private business will do that, but we wouldn't do that to....oh say, the Jews... or the Muslims....or the Buddhists or anybody legit like that.
Reminds me of another sophistry.
We cannot allow these lesser beings to pollute our noble bloodlines, therefore we're gonna snuff the retards and the cripples. Oh yeah, and eveyone knows that the Gypsies are nothing but thieves, so we're gonna get rid of them too. And those nasty, inferior Jews. And those atheists, and those terrible communists, we'll scratch their names out too. Sig Heil!
YOU DO NOT START DOWN THIS ROAD!!!!! Unless you've got a death wish!
2007-11-09 06:27:54 · answer #3 · answered by Granny Annie 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It is a few "televangelists" who use the money they receive to lavish on themselves. The names listed were not a surprise, we have been suspicious of these individuals for quite some time. The majority of pastors do not engage in this sort of activity. Most lead very modest lives, serving God and their flock.
2007-11-09 06:19:24 · answer #4 · answered by BrotherMichael 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
All Christian churches do have open books anyway. What you are referring to are six ministries (so called) that have been reported by other Christians as being fraudulent. They are:
Benny Hinn
Joyce Meyers
Creflo Dollar
Bishop Eddie Long
Paula White
Kenneth Copeland
2007-11-09 06:25:59 · answer #5 · answered by Poor Richard 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No, I missed that one. However I do think that it is a good idea. It would be nice to stop the stealing that invariably goes on when someone is tempted to skim off of a big budjet. Also since we are told in the Bible to account for our money, I believe this is a good thing!
2007-11-09 06:18:54 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
My reaction?
As long as they are 401 c 3 tax exempt, the government has no right to do such a thing.
The state wants sooooo bad for the church to stay out of it......but yet....when it comes to money, all of a sudden church-state seperation dissappears.
Typical American double standard.
Fools............
2007-11-09 06:17:52 · answer #7 · answered by primoa1970 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Some churches, not all, and mostly the megachurches. Funny thing is, the little/other churches undoubtedly have mixed feelings, watching the competition get nailed but wondering if they're next.
Churches should always have been treated like any other business - required to prove their claims or jailed for fraud; the real crime is that any of them are tax-exempt!
2007-11-09 06:26:59 · answer #8 · answered by Brent Y 6 · 1⤊ 3⤋
My reaction is praise the LORD!!!, and I don't even believe in the lord.
It is my wet dream that these mainstream christian freak shows get their snake oil businesses crushed overnight. Nothing could be prettier. What gullible sheep christians are to allow their leaders to twist the gospel 180 degrees into the gospel of prideful wealth.
2007-11-09 06:21:43 · answer #9 · answered by Earl Grey 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
WOuld you like to see our church's books? Anyone can look at them. We encourage people to.
Missions are our largest expense. Our pastor's wages put him at poverty level.
2007-11-09 06:23:40 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋