tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11710297.post2733625187877211933..comments2023-11-05T03:55:52.840-05:00Comments on Tully's Page: Why Churches Should NOT be TaxedThom Simmonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171033101065452427noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11710297.post-62115339384724764972012-11-29T11:07:48.291-05:002012-11-29T11:07:48.291-05:00Hello,
Some good points, but as one of your "...Hello,<br /><br />Some good points, but as one of your "liberal friends" I have reservations about church tax exempt status for reasons other than those you suggest.<br /><br />I would be the first to admit that I find a great deal of the Christian hate and ignorance that is the mainstream today abhorrent. As a Christian I am often frustrated by my conservative brethren-as I am sure I frustrate them with my beliefs. That does not mean I feel they should be punished, financially or otherwise, for what they believe. They have every right espouse their beliefs and attempt to bring others to their point of view, as do I.<br /><br />My concern about non-profit status for churches is two-fold:<br /><br />1. Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves (Mathew 7:15). It is relatively easy for an ideologue/organization to assume the mantle of a religious organization to avoid paying taxes. Of course it is almost impossible to define who is and is not valid and I certainly would not be comfortable with government making that call. The easiest way to avoid this concern is to do away with tax-exempt status for all religious organizations.<br /><br />2. I worry that our tax-exempt status is a tool government uses to keep churches from straying too far from the fold. I long for a pre-Constantine, pain in the ass movement of believers that is a thorn in the paw of power and not just another institution in the power structure itself. As long as the church has tax-exempt status it risks being co-opted for government/elite purposes. In my perfect world the church would refuse tax exempt status. I understand the financial implications (I have run a church) but at the same time I am a person of faith. If my path is righteous a way will be found. Once freed from the fetters of governmental control we can call for those things that matter to us without fear.Phat Philosopherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04002150295649626794noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11710297.post-46755706307302133442012-11-29T11:03:05.496-05:002012-11-29T11:03:05.496-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.Phat Philosopherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04002150295649626794noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11710297.post-20614351303732130682012-11-18T19:12:32.778-05:002012-11-18T19:12:32.778-05:00Hello,
Just found your blog here while on walkabo...Hello,<br /><br />Just found your blog here while on walkabout. Excellent reasoning, research and words here on this topic.<br /><br />I came here thinking one thing on this issue without considering the far reaching ramifications, as you illustrated beautifully, and left with a completely different perspective on the entire issue of non-profit taxation. Thank you. :)<br /><br />daemondaemonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09153553633523797522noreply@blogger.com