Why give up something that is an inherent right of religious expression?
Why not work to eliminate the political speech exemption from the 501(c)(3) statute?
IMHO the limitation is a violation of the first amendment free exercise clause. Religion and politics are more often than not intertwined. These secularists are as religious about their atheism and hatred of Christ as Christians are about their beliefs. We need to stand up for our rights, not surrender them!
So what did churches do before there was a 501c3? What did the individuals do? Why give the government the authority of a 501c3? Fight the government over that? This is similar to the free speech zone at Bundys ranch. Just ignore it. The government wants to create the illusion of defining some authority where none exists. Tell them to pound sand by ignoring it. If you give in to their illegal requests then you have given them the authority which continues to expand.
Can I search your vehicle? Can I search your home? If you have nothing to hide then you will let me come in.
They want authority where none exists. The 501c3 gives them a certain amount of authority where it is voluntarily given and I don’t think we should give it them.
Do you voluntarily give up control and authority of your children?
I would hope not.
But then most parents actually do, willfully and voluntarily.
“”Parents give up their rights when they drop the children off at public school.”
—Texas Federal District Judge Melinda Harmon
Similarly, why give the government any control or authority where they should have none?
I doubt that anything can prove to atheist secularists that free exercise means every moment of a believer's life. Although, they will insist that their beliefs are allowed to be practiced 24/7/365, in classrooms, lecture halls, on buses, etc.
I am surprised, though, that Christians would buy into the notion that the government can control their speech by virtue of the government recognizing the reality of a relious body's corporateness.