Freedom From Religion Wins Suit Against IRS
 

http://www.courthousenews.com/2014/08/06/70143.htm

http://ffrf.org/news/news-releases/i...ctory-is-final

Re: Freedom From Religion Wins Suit Against IRS
 

Many "Black" churches have been involved in politicking for years.

Anyone ever heard of Jeremiah Wright?

This is an interesting development to say the least.

I have felt that the tax exempt status was going to be one area that the anti-Christ crowd was going to use to try to close churches. Pears it is happening.

Will continue to watch.

Re: Freedom From Religion Wins Suit Against IRS
 

The bold is what irritates me. Why is it that every election these churches and their Pastors get to promote Democrat candidates with no repercussion from the IRS? There are some which even hand out political pamphlets and use church buses or vans to get people to the polling place.

IMO, the best thing for American churches would be for the government to cancel tax-exempt status for churches. American churches have been pampered and spoiled being tax-exempt, and have built vain monuments and cathedrals. Meanwhile, having tax-exempt status puts a stranglehold on the church to be able to speak out on political issues and candidates (unless it's to promote voting Democrat).

Removing tax-exempt status would also force churches to become better stewards of finances. Mega church hustlers would be forced out of their obscene mansions, lose the stupid maserati's and private planes. Take away these things then see how many really have a burden for ministry and how many are indeed just a bunch of pimps and hustlers.

Re: Freedom From Religion Wins Suit Against IRS
 

So, you would like ALL charities to lose their tax-exempt status?
Or just churches?

Re: Freedom From Religion Wins Suit Against IRS
 

Churches, because the primary mission of a church should be proselytizing; whereas the primary mission of charities is social services.

Re: Freedom From Religion Wins Suit Against IRS
 

Tax Exempt status usually applies to a church building, but also to a pastor's home (in certain circumstances), which allows the home to be considered a parsonage, even if it isn't attached to the church building.

If tax exempt status for churches was removed, entire churches would immediately go bankrupt as the property tax, on even a modest building, could be in the thousands of dollars (if not tens of thousands, depending on the size and location).

While I'm not for the idea as a whole, and agree that tax exempt status has hindered the Gospel, I wouldn't go so far as calling for an immediate end. Churches would have to be given time, or property loans across the country would be defaulted upon in a year, and we might have another banking crisis.

Imagine 20,000-50,000 or more churches all throughout the USA closing their doors by this time next year, with millions upon millions of dollars in unpaid loans?

City governments might rejoice in getting the property tax revenues (if a church can swing the bill), but the overall effect would be disastrous.

Re: Freedom From Religion Wins Suit Against IRS
 

Parsonages should be required to meet certain conditions. I know of a Pastor who lives in a 5 or 6 bedroom, two-story home and has a large 6 bedroom cabin with several atv's in a small town a few hours away. All are paid for by the church and considered church property, yet are used by the Pastor. The show LA Preachers should be repulsive enough to cause some kind of restrictions on parsonages.

It's true some moderate to smaller congregations may suffer. My church may be one which would be unable to pay for the added expenses. Yes, there could be thousands of churches closing their doors...but is that truly a bad thing? The early church grew without church buildings. As much as I love coming to a building to worship with others, I believe these buildings have caused us to become comfortable and instead of promoting the Gospel, we've hidden it inside the buildings. Losing these buildings could be what brings a great revival.

I recently heard a Pastor say that church wasn't for the sinner, but instead was for the saint. He used Paul's instruction to Timothy to instruct, reprove and rebuke as the basis his belief. It's no wonder churches are in decline. They've become a private country club for members.

Re: Freedom From Religion Wins Suit Against IRS
 

I'm big on "house church" networks. So, I guess this really isn't something we have to worry about.

However, couldn't the government request that churches show some evidence of community service or charity work to qualify for tax exempt status?

I mean... why be tax exempt just because you teach Bible studies? Why not require that a church house, clothe, and/or feed those in need???

It might give social services far more options to help those in need instead of trying to inflate welfare services.

Re: Freedom From Religion Wins Suit Against IRS
 

Think through the implications of what you are saying.
The effect would be disastrous as indicated above.
Also, you would have a side effect of millions of people that give to churches suffering an immediate loss of income, due to paying higher taxes.
Methinks you have not thought this totally through...

Re: Freedom From Religion Wins Suit Against IRS
 

I am not much for political talk, but have to say I wouldn't want my contributions to God's kingdom going to our U.S. Government. If churches were closed down and we went to house groups offerings that Paul taught about wouldn't be necessary. Offerings mentioned in the new testament are for the purpose of the ministry. Just because their are some big mega churches out there that may be manipulating people for money I wouldn't want to see the great majority of Churches suffer just to get bad ones.