Religious Left seeks to impose their dogmas

[Polishprince]

Any money generated by any group not sent for charitable work should be taxed. Why should overhead and administrative costs be tax-exempt?

You want to tax churches on the money they use to cover their costs? would that also apply to other tax exempt non-profits? What about for profit enterprises, you want to tax them on their costs too?

In return the churches would be free to be as political as they like.

It would.

Yes.

Churches can already be "as political as they like" by voluntarily forgoing their tax exempt status.

No changes necessary.

Traditionally, churches have always tackled issues which impinge on politics in America from Prohibition to Abolition to Abortion.

And traditionally, they've always been exempt from taxation as well.

Determining what's religious and what's political is a determination that is beyond the pay grade for public servants.

 

[martybegan]

There is no reason for churches to have tax exempt status.

also them accepting it in exchange for following governmental rules and regulations goes against what the Bible says.

They are non-profit orgs, and have protections from government via the 1st amendment.

That you bitch about it is nothing new.

Do you really think Churches should be forced to accept and perform SSM's?

 

[martybegan]

Any money generated by any group not sent for charitable work should be taxed. Why should overhead and administrative costs be tax-exempt?

You want to tax churches on the money they use to cover their costs? would that also apply to other tax exempt non-profits? What about for profit enterprises, you want to tax them on their costs too?

In return the churches would be free to be as political as they like.

It would.

Yes.

Churches can already be "as political as they like" by voluntarily forgoing their tax exempt status.

No changes necessary.

Why is tax exempt status for churches related to their political participation?

 

[Billy_Kinetta]

Any money generated by any group not sent for charitable work should be taxed. Why should overhead and administrative costs be tax-exempt?

'
The problem here is what is "overhead and administrative costs" and what is "charitable work". If the worshippers of Baal want to commission a new golden calf, is that "charitable work" or just 'overhead"? The Baalist theology might indicate that its charitable work as it provides spiritual benefits to the community as the idols will be more inclined to help out the city.

Making this kind of distinction would require courts to make theological determinations, which is beyond their pay grade.

Nope. Common sense. You need an idol? It comes outta your pocket, and is taxed. You feed and clothe people? Tax exempt.

 

[martybegan]

Any money generated by any group not sent for charitable work should be taxed. Why should overhead and administrative costs be tax-exempt?

You want to tax churches on the money they use to cover their costs? would that also apply to other tax exempt non-profits? What about for profit enterprises, you want to tax them on their costs too?

In return the churches would be free to be as political as they like.

It would.

Yes.

What is the purpose of restricting them in the political arena in the first place?

It was passed in 1954...by a Democrat... LBJ to be exact.

What political group at the time was using Churches to mobilize against discrimination?

 

[Billy_Kinetta]

Any money generated by any group not sent for charitable work should be taxed. Why should overhead and administrative costs be tax-exempt?

'
The problem here is what is "overhead and administrative costs" and what is "charitable work". If the worshippers of Baal want to commission a new golden calf, is that "charitable work" or just 'overhead"? The Baalist theology might indicate that its charitable work as it provides spiritual benefits to the community as the idols will be more inclined to help out the city.

Making this kind of distinction would require courts to make theological determinations, which is beyond their pay grade.

The IRS already makes those calls (which it really isn't equipped to do either) when it determines whether or not to grant tax exempt status, the justification being that the tax exempt "Church" spends the majority of its resources doing work that benefits society.

The problem with his proposal is that if you tax the costs of a not for profit organization that spends everything that takes in on "charity" minus costs where the heck are they going to get the money to pay the taxes?

Research what charitable organizations actually spend contributions on. You may be surprised.

 

[Harpy Eagle]

Any money generated by any group not sent for charitable work should be taxed. Why should overhead and administrative costs be tax-exempt?

'
The problem here is what is "overhead and administrative costs" and what is "charitable work". If the worshippers of Baal want to commission a new golden

There is no reason for churches to have tax exempt status.

also them accepting it in exchange for following governmental rules and regulations goes against what the Bible says.

They are non-profit orgs, and have protections from government via the 1st amendment.

That you bitch about it is nothing new.

Do you really think Churches should be forced to accept and perform SSM's?

No, I think they should divorce themselves from the government and pay their taxes and tell the Govt to stay out of their business.

As long as they accept the tax exempt tag they are required to play by the Govt’s rules instead of God’s.

 

[Harpy Eagle]

Any money generated by any group not sent for charitable work should be taxed. Why should overhead and administrative costs be tax-exempt?

'
The problem here is what is "overhead and administrative costs" and what is "charitable work". If the worshippers of Baal want to commission a new golden calf, is that "charitable work" or just 'overhead"? The Baalist theology might indicate that its charitable work as it provides spiritual benefits to the community as the idols will be more inclined to help out the city.

Making this kind of distinction would require courts to make theological determinations, which is beyond their pay grade.

The IRS already makes those calls (which it really isn't equipped to do either) when it determines whether or not to grant tax exempt status, the justification being that the tax exempt "Church" spends the majority of its resources doing work that benefits society.

The problem with his proposal is that if you tax the costs of a not for profit organization that spends everything that takes in on "charity" minus costs where the heck are they going to get the money to pay the taxes?

Research what charitable organizations actually spend contributions on. You may be surprised.

research what churches spend money on. 85 to 90 percent is spent solely on the church and church related activities that have nothing to do with charity

 

[progressive hunter]

Any money generated by any group not sent for charitable work should be taxed. Why should overhead and administrative costs be tax-exempt?

'
The problem here is what is "overhead and administrative costs" and what is "charitable work". If the worshippers of Baal want to commission a new golden calf, is that "charitable work" or just 'overhead"? The Baalist theology might indicate that its charitable work as it provides spiritual benefits to the community as the idols will be more inclined to help out the city.

Making this kind of distinction would require courts to make theological determinations, which is beyond their pay grade.

The IRS already makes those calls (which it really isn't equipped to do either) when it determines whether or not to grant tax exempt status, the justification being that the tax exempt "Church" spends the majority of its resources doing work that benefits society.

The problem with his proposal is that if you tax the costs of a not for profit organization that spends everything that takes in on "charity" minus costs where the heck are they going to get the money to pay the taxes?

Research what charitable organizations actually spend contributions on. You may be surprised.

research what churches spend money on. 85 to 90 percent is spent solely on the church and church related activities that have nothing to do with charity

got a link??

 

[Votto]

There is no reason for churches to have tax exempt status.

also them accepting it in exchange for following governmental rules and regulations goes against what the Bible says.

might be because you shouldnt have to pay taxs for a protected right,,,

Collecting donations and paying staff is not a requirement of the religion.

how would you know ???

I have an extensive background in Christianity including a minor in Biblical History from a Christian university and 20 plus years of being an active member of churches

Great, you win a cookie.

 

[Votto]

Any money generated by any group not sent for charitable work should be taxed. Why should overhead and administrative costs be tax-exempt?

'
The problem here is what is "overhead and administrative costs" and what is "charitable work". If the worshippers of Baal want to commission a new golden calf, is that "charitable work" or just 'overhead"? The Baalist theology might indicate that its charitable work as it provides spiritual benefits to the community as the idols will be more inclined to help out the city.

Making this kind of distinction would require courts to make theological determinations, which is beyond their pay grade.

The IRS already makes those calls (which it really isn't equipped to do either) when it determines whether or not to grant tax exempt status, the justification being that the tax exempt "Church" spends the majority of its resources doing work that benefits society.

The problem with his proposal is that if you tax the costs of a not for profit organization that spends everything that takes in on "charity" minus costs where the heck are they going to get the money to pay the taxes?

Research what charitable organizations actually spend contributions on. You may be surprised.

research what churches spend money on. 85 to 90 percent is spent solely on the church and church related activities that have nothing to do with charity

The vast majority of those who give their time and money to the poor are those of faith.

Maybe they should get a tax exempt status as well?

Left wingers are largely atheistic and just sit around complaining about needing to elect people to office who will raise their taxes to force them to give more money to government in the hopes of that money actually going to those in need where only about 9 cents on the dollar actually goes to those supposedly in need.

Yea, I think the church is a much safer bet to help the poor.

 

[Polishprince]

Any money generated by any group not sent for charitable work should be taxed. Why should overhead and administrative costs be tax-exempt?

'
The problem here is what is "overhead and administrative costs" and what is "charitable work". If the worshippers of Baal want to commission a new golden calf, is that "charitable work" or just 'overhead"? The Baalist theology might indicate that its charitable work as it provides spiritual benefits to the community as the idols will be more inclined to help out the city.

Making this kind of distinction would require courts to make theological determinations, which is beyond their pay grade.

The IRS already makes those calls (which it really isn't equipped to do either) when it determines whether or not to grant tax exempt status, the justification being that the tax exempt "Church" spends the majority of its resources doing work that benefits society.

The problem with his proposal is that if you tax the costs of a not for profit organization that spends everything that takes in on "charity" minus costs where the heck are they going to get the money to pay the taxes?

Research what charitable organizations actually spend contributions on. You may be surprised.

research what churches spend money on. 85 to 90 percent is spent solely on the church and church related activities that have nothing to do with charity

One of the biggest expenses that churches have is in building and maintaining schools to educate the children. Is education considered "charity" in your view? How about church owned hospitals and nursing homes and orphanages?

 

[Votto]

Any money generated by any group not sent for charitable work should be taxed. Why should overhead and administrative costs be tax-exempt?

'
The problem here is what is "overhead and administrative costs" and what is "charitable work". If the worshippers of Baal want to commission a new golden calf, is that "charitable work" or just 'overhead"? The Baalist theology might indicate that its charitable work as it provides spiritual benefits to the community as the idols will be more inclined to help out the city.

Making this kind of distinction would require courts to make theological determinations, which is beyond their pay grade.

The IRS already makes those calls (which it really isn't equipped to do either) when it determines whether or not to grant tax exempt status, the justification being that the tax exempt "Church" spends the majority of its resources doing work that benefits society.

The problem with his proposal is that if you tax the costs of a not for profit organization that spends everything that takes in on "charity" minus costs where the heck are they going to get the money to pay the taxes?

Research what charitable organizations actually spend contributions on. You may be surprised.

research what churches spend money on. 85 to 90 percent is spent solely on the church and church related activities that have nothing to do with charity

One of the biggest expenses that churches have is in building and maintaining schools to educate the children. Is education considered "charity" in your view? How about church owned hospitals and nursing homes and orphanages?

A large number of universities and hospitals and schools, etc., were started by churches.

Not Big Brother.

 

[martybegan]

Any money generated by any group not sent for charitable work should be taxed. Why should overhead and administrative costs be tax-exempt?

'
The problem here is what is "overhead and administrative costs" and what is "charitable work". If the worshippers of Baal want to commission a new golden

There is no reason for churches to have tax exempt status.

also them accepting it in exchange for following governmental rules and regulations goes against what the Bible says.

They are non-profit orgs, and have protections from government via the 1st amendment.

That you bitch about it is nothing new.

Do you really think Churches should be forced to accept and perform SSM's?

No, I think they should divorce themselves from the government and pay their taxes and tell the Govt to stay out of their business.

As long as they accept the tax exempt tag they are required to play by the Govt’s rules instead of God’s.

They are mostly treated like any other non-profit, except for some reason they can't be political.

They still pay property taxes, income taxes, payroll taxes, fees and such. their exemption is usually just corporate taxes and sales taxes.

 

[Votto]

Any money generated by any group not sent for charitable work should be taxed. Why should overhead and administrative costs be tax-exempt?

'
The problem here is what is "overhead and administrative costs" and what is "charitable work". If the worshippers of Baal want to commission a new golden

There is no reason for churches to have tax exempt status.

also them accepting it in exchange for following governmental rules and regulations goes against what the Bible says.

They are non-profit orgs, and have protections from government via the 1st amendment.

That you bitch about it is nothing new.

Do you really think Churches should be forced to accept and perform SSM's?

No, I think they should divorce themselves from the government and pay their taxes and tell the Govt to stay out of their business.

As long as they accept the tax exempt tag they are required to play by the Govt’s rules instead of God’s.

They are mostly treated like any other non-profit, except for some reason they can't be political.

They still pay property taxes, income taxes, payroll taxes, fees and such. their exemption is usually just corporate taxes and sales taxes.

The whole notion that people are capable of being apolitical I think is a ruse.

We all have a bias. In fact, groups like the NAACP run around telling the world how evil and racist every single Republican is and they have tax exempt status.

Conversely, if a preacher so much mentions the Biblical teachings regarding such things as abortion or gay relations the press screams that they need to be shut down or taxed.

 

[Harpy Eagle]

Any money generated by any group not sent for charitable work should be taxed. Why should overhead and administrative costs be tax-exempt?

'
The problem here is what is "overhead and administrative costs" and what is "charitable work". If the worshippers of Baal want to commission a new golden calf, is that "charitable work" or just 'overhead"? The Baalist theology might indicate that its charitable work as it provides spiritual benefits to the community as the idols will be more inclined to help out the city.

Making this kind of distinction would require courts to make theological determinations, which is beyond their pay grade.

The IRS already makes those calls (which it really isn't equipped to do either) when it determines whether or not to grant tax exempt status, the justification being that the tax exempt "Church" spends the majority of its resources doing work that benefits society.

The problem with his proposal is that if you tax the costs of a not for profit organization that spends everything that takes in on "charity" minus costs where the heck are they going to get the money to pay the taxes?

Research what charitable organizations actually spend contributions on. You may be surprised.

research what churches spend money on. 85 to 90 percent is spent solely on the church and church related activities that have nothing to do with charity

One of the biggest expenses that churches have is in building and maintaining schools to educate the children. Is education considered "charity" in your view? How about church owned hospitals and nursing homes and orphanages?

the vast majority of churches do not have schools or hospitals or orphanages.

 

[Polishprince]

The whole notion that people are capable of being apolitical I think is a ruse.

We all have a bias. In fact, groups like the NAACP run around telling the world how evil and racist every single Republican is and they have tax exempt status.

Conversely, if a preacher so much mentions the Biblical teachings regarding such things as abortion or gay relations the press screams that they need to be shut down or taxed.

I am sure that a lot of people would have really liked to tax MLK's religious organization as a "political outfit" too. Ditto with the abolitionists.

If the slaves were expected to pay taxes on the Underground Railroad, a program largely promoted by the Bible Thumpers of that day, would it have been successful?

 

[Erinwltr]

JSMH.

 

[Votto]

'
The problem here is what is "overhead and administrative costs" and what is "charitable work". If the worshippers of Baal want to commission a new golden calf, is that "charitable work" or just 'overhead"? The Baalist theology might indicate that its charitable work as it provides spiritual benefits to the community as the idols will be more inclined to help out the city.

Making this kind of distinction would require courts to make theological determinations, which is beyond their pay grade.

The IRS already makes those calls (which it really isn't equipped to do either) when it determines whether or not to grant tax exempt status, the justification being that the tax exempt "Church" spends the majority of its resources doing work that benefits society.

The problem with his proposal is that if you tax the costs of a not for profit organization that spends everything that takes in on "charity" minus costs where the heck are they going to get the money to pay the taxes?

Research what charitable organizations actually spend contributions on. You may be surprised.

research what churches spend money on. 85 to 90 percent is spent solely on the church and church related activities that have nothing to do with charity

One of the biggest expenses that churches have is in building and maintaining schools to educate the children. Is education considered "charity" in your view? How about church owned hospitals and nursing homes and orphanages?

the vast majority of churches do not have schools or hospitals or orphanages.

It is sad how the modern church has somewhat retreated from the job of helping those in need. The result is a church that is dying in the West and significance that is waning in the community.

 

[Harpy Eagle]

Any money generated by any group not sent for charitable work should be taxed. Why should overhead and administrative costs be tax-exempt?

'
The problem here is what is "overhead and administrative costs" and what is "charitable work". If the worshippers of Baal want to commission a new golden calf, is that "charitable work" or just 'overhead"? The Baalist theology might indicate that its charitable work as it provides spiritual benefits to the community as the idols will be more inclined to help out the city.

Making this kind of distinction would require courts to make theological determinations, which is beyond their pay grade.

The IRS already makes those calls (which it really isn't equipped to do either) when it determines whether or not to grant tax exempt status, the justification being that the tax exempt "Church" spends the majority of its resources doing work that benefits society.

The problem with his proposal is that if you tax the costs of a not for profit organization that spends everything that takes in on "charity" minus costs where the heck are they going to get the money to pay the taxes?

Research what charitable organizations actually spend contributions on. You may be surprised.

research what churches spend money on. 85 to 90 percent is spent solely on the church and church related activities that have nothing to do with charity

got a link??

have you ever sat on a budget or finance committee for a Church?