Here in Germany you must register your religion with the state and you are taxed on it. For me it would amount to roughly €85 per month (a little over $100). I am of course registered as having no religion (atheist). Would this seperate the true believers from the wannabes in Christianity/Islam etc. Would such a thing reduce the number of non-believers.
Germany has a population of 82,425,000 and 41 - 49% (33,794,250 - 40,388,250) are atheist/agnostic.
2007-12-10 23:58:56 · 19 answers · asked by penster_x 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
If you are not registered to pay the church tax you are obviously not allowed to baptise a child, have communion, and all those other things that go on in churches.
2007-12-11 00:07:39 · update #1
I read that so many say that the the government has no right to impose a religious tax yet the Church essentially imposes a tax on its members. All are encouraged to give money to the church.
I worked with a guy who had to give 30% of his take home wage to the church (some sort of baptist/methodist thing). What is the difference. Essentially churches have to make money too.
2007-12-11 00:16:07 · update #2
To answer your question doctorscientist, I'm not sure if one religion is taxed more than another but I I think it is probably an equal percentage. I am not sure what the money is used for.
2007-12-11 00:17:24 · update #3
Enforcing religious tax will make any person to think twice and intelligently before picking up a religion.
2007-12-11 01:26:44 · answer #1 · answered by ta c 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
For many years people chose what to put into the offering of the church that they attended - some still do. Many pray to God about what their offering should be and then give accordingly.
However, since American/Canadian evangelists have been coming over here more and more, preaching to churches, many churches have returned to tithing. This involves giving 10% of a wage (before tax if I remember rightly) to the church of attendance, which goes towards (if I remember rightly) paying for the preachers wages, keeping the 'fabric' of the church building in good order, etc. On top of this, offerings are taken, which are used for such things as giving both at home and abroad to the poor, missionaries, etc.
It is not compulsary, but there is no doubt that for those who feel that they cannot afford to commit to such financial gifts there is a stigma attached! It may be unspoken, but it is there all the same!
There are a few churches (sadly far too few!) here, where those who have much actually choose to pay the tithes of those who have little! However, very few churches of any denomination seem to want to follow the Antioch church's example of 'holding everything in common' so that there is no lack within their congregation!
Again, since the invasion of American/Canadian evangelists in recent years, many churches seem to prefer to adopt a 'me, me, me' approach! Using God as a 'slot machine' (use this verse, stand on that belief') to get the Blessings due to us as Christians in this life - a far cry from Jesus' humility and example while He Walked this earth!!!
You can bet your boots that if Gordon Brown, or any of his coherts have seen this, he will be rubbing his hands with glee, wondering how quickly he can fetch legislation in to tax religions in this country!!! The Labour Government of the past ten years (SUPPOSEDLY THE PEOPLE'S PARTY!!!), have been the greediest ever and tax anything and everything they can!
Yet, churches and their members do so much that saves the Government money in their ministry to the homeless, the poor, the disadvantaged in a variety of ways!
Love in Jesus,
Margi
2007-12-11 10:22:12 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's just plain stupid. It's also communistic. The government has NO RIGHT AT ALL to impose fees upon exercise of belief. Only a load of worthless fascist goons could eve approve of such a thing. Cue the atheists chiming their approval, since that's what fascist goons will do.
2007-12-11 00:10:31 · answer #3 · answered by Hoosier Daddy 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Bet there'd be a damn sight more registering themselves as atheists in that was brought in in the UK. The last census here 62% identified themselves as christian, (I think this has more to do with national identity) yet only 14% said they attended a place of worship. With a tax like that the figures would soon match up.
2007-12-11 00:09:05 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm surprised the Germans put up with this medieval tax. The tithe (10% of the harvest) was hated in England during the middle ages and was one of the reasons why Henry Vlll got away with the dissolution of the monasteries
2007-12-11 00:06:05 · answer #5 · answered by Scouse 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow! I am glad I am an American. As messed up as my country may be, at least we are not taxed for our beliefs...yet. Where does this tax money go, and is there a difference in tax rates based on chosen religion?
2007-12-11 00:11:00 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, The ministers here in America are fat cats and living in million dollar homes when the people are poor. Religion in the USA has become big business so why not tax the thieves!
2007-12-11 00:05:02 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
In the USA, an enforced tax on religions engaging in politics would work wonders toward a balanced budget and reclaiming our secular foundings.
2007-12-11 00:04:32 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
as public services are needed by religions-if nothing else than roads to get there they should be taxed-as for a tax on an individual basis i think that would be fairest---then you would only pay for what you used----smile and enjoy the day
2007-12-11 00:08:41 · answer #9 · answered by lazaruslong138 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the UK religions are subsidised.
They pay no tax on their buildings.
It is iniquitous that the whole population should subsidise religions.
2007-12-11 01:05:35 · answer #10 · answered by rosie recipe 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋